How to Grow Mint Indoors : 7 Easy Steps | Gardening Tree

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Tried all the ways to grow mint indoors and failed?

Here you’ll get the complete guide on How to Grow Mint Indoors in just 7 Easy Steps. So stay tuned till the end of the article. All your doubts would be cleared regarding mint planting.

How to Grow Mint Indoors?

There are two main ways of growing mint indoors: either from cuttings or seeds. Mint can be grown from cuttings taken from the garden itself, or it can be grown from seeds.

Mint has many uses both for cooking and as a flavoring for various products, including chewing gum. Let’s look at how to grow mint from cuttings or from seeds.

You must protect your stem cuttings or seedlings from cold temperatures during the growing season. You must also fertilize and repot the plants regularly to keep them growing healthily.

All you have to do to make sure healthy growth is to feed it frequently with fertilizer and give indirect but adequate sunlight. However, before you get into the process of growing mint in your garden, let’s look at the varieties of this aromatic herb that one may grow indoors.

When it comes to the most popular type of mint plant that people can grow inside their homes, it has to be peppermint. Peppermint is used in a variety of food preparations, but it is the flavor that people love and use the most often.

The oil from the leaves and the harvested spearmint are used in candy and chewing gum, to name a few. If that were not enough, the leaves could be combined with other ingredients in hot concoctions like the famous “hot and spicy” drink.

If you’re looking for how to grow mint indoors, you have two options. The first option involves purchasing a small container or a window box that is large enough to allow you to grow your mint plant.

Then you will need to provide your mint plant with an adequate amount of indirect sunlight each day. However, if you grow a peppermint plant outdoors, you should avoid putting the leaves directly in the direct sunlight, as they will become burned.


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Difference Between Peppermint and Spearmint

Difference Between Peppermint and Spearmint

You must understand the differences between peppermint and spearmint in order to be able to select the correct plants to grow inside.

Spearmint, also known as spikenard, was used as a medicine in the ancient world. While it is commonly thought of as a stimulant, it has been shown to have some antiseptic properties.

Peppermint is a perennial herb that can grow up to three feet tall. Its flowers consist of a single flower spike which can be single or multi-colored.

The peppermint leaves typically appear in many shades of green and are used as a seasoning for foods such as dips, sauces, soups, cookies, and candy.

Many other mint types can be grown, but most people prefer classic favorites. Mint comes in a variety of colors, with classic green or yellow being the predominant type.

However, if you live in an area that experiences high levels of indirect sunlight, such as Florida or the southwest, you might want to choose a mint that has a bit more of a dark green color to it, such as spearmint.


Requirements to Grow Mint Indoors?

Although mint is more commonly grown outdoors in an in-ground garden, it can also be quickly established as an indoor plant.

All you have to do is provide proper indirect sunlight and water it regularly to ensure healthy growth. Of course, you will also need to fertilize it appropriately. Mint is a perennial plant that grows up to three feet tall and has fleshy green leaves.

Here are the few requirements you should fulfill in order to grow mint indoors.

1. Sunlight

SUNLIGHT

Mint is very easy to maintain and does not require a lot of attention or special preparations. You can plant it in either an out-of-the-way area or one that gets direct sunlight most of the day.

For growing mint plants indoors, you will need to ensure that the area receives ample sunshine, preferably more than 6 hours each day. If the sun does not hit the area directly, add some artificial light during the hours when the sunlight does not shine directly on the plant.

Mint doesn’t really like high temperatures either, so if you live in a place where summer temperatures exceed the 100-degree mark, it’s best to keep your mint plants out of direct sun exposure. Mint tends to thrive best when it gets indirect, but indirect sun exposure can be just as bad for it as being too hot or cold.

2. Water

mint water image

Mint needs about an inch of water per week for optimal growth, but you’ll probably have to water it more frequently in the summer when it swells up. It can survive on a couple of tablespoons of water per week in the winter months but don’t over-water it because it will dry out the leaves.

The plant needs indirect but regular water. Don’t wait until it starts to wilt, though, because it will just water the leaves out, and the rest of the plant will go right along with it.

It’s more important to watch for the temperature than how much water you give it. Mint will do fine if it has access to indirect light, but if you put it near a window, you might not want to use that one.

3. Seeding

mint seed

To start growing mint plant roots from seed:

  1. Put the seeds in a small pot on a windowsill and water them generously. If you have a sunny windowsill, leave the pot on the windowsill for a few days before taking the seeds out.
  2. Remove the seeds gently with your fingers and place them in a small airtight container.
  3. Make sure the container is airtight before putting it in the sun.

4. Fertilizer

fertilizer

Mint needs sulfur, manganese, and potassium. Don’t forget to fertilize it twice each year. Make sure that you use an excellent non-chlorinated brand. If you’re growing plants near a fence, make sure that there’s plenty of drainage near the plants to avoid having your flowers drown.

You also need to research different fertilizers that are available for your home vegetable garden. Fertilizers can play a significant role in planting, but too much of a good thing can be harmful, so know exactly what you are trying to accomplish.

5. Pot/Container

containers

To be sure, plant mint in a healthy container. They can live in full sun, but they prefer to be planted in partial shade. Choose a pot that’s large enough to hold the weight of the plant as well as plenty of drainages. You also want a pot that’s made from sturdy material, and that’s not too heavy. Mint needs to be watered often but not all the time.

To grow mint indoors, you need a special pot to grow mints with. These are called kivas, and they’re much larger than the traditional plastic pots that people use for indoor plants.

It is best to get the plants from a nursery where they can be grown in partial shade or with good sunlight. They are also very easy to take care of. Do not let new mint plants overwater because this could cause rot.

Water new mint plants only when the soil surface feels dry. Keep the water near the base of the plant because new mint plants do not like standing water.

6. Climate Condition

Climate Condition

When the weather becomes too hot, move the plants to a place with indirect sunlight. The soil should receive at least six hours of sunlight during the summer months, but it is better if the sun is just over one hour.

This will allow the soil to absorb the necessary amounts of fertilizer. Fertilizer is not required when growing mint plants inside but does keep them well watered as the soil is not likely to dry out if left in the sun.

Mint you can grow mainly depends on your soil, your plant, and your climate. If you live in dry, cool weather with little or no moisture, mint probably won’t grow very well. On the other hand, mint grows best in vibrant soil with lots of moisture.

7. Harvesting

 mint Harvesting

When the flowers begin to bloom, cut off any brown or dried flowers on the stems. These materials will provide the plant with vital nutrients that it needs to grow. After the flowers have flowered and the leaves have dropped, cut off any long stems that could provide support. Mint grows very tall and will reach up to three feet tall.

Begin nailing small pieces of mint leaves together. Once this is finished, gently add fertilizer to the soil. A light misting of fertilizer each month should be sufficient to keep the plant growing healthy.

If you live in an area that does not get enough sunlight, you may need to place the plant indoors during the winter months when the sun is unavailable. You can simply move the plant indoors during the cold season as it will thrive regardless of the weather conditions.


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FAQs on Growing Mint Indoors

1. Which nutrients are essential to plant mint?

Mint needs sulfur, manganese, and potassium nutrients.

2. Where should you place your Mint plant?

To be sure, plant mint in a healthy container. They can live in full sun, but they prefer to be planted in partial shade. Choose a pot that’s large enough to hold the weight of the plant as well as plenty of drainages.

You also want a pot that’s made from sturdy material and that’s not too heavy. Mint needs to be watered often but not all the time.

3. How to Harvest Mint?

To be sure, plant mint in a healthy container. They can live in full sun, but they prefer to be planted in partial shade.

Choose a pot that’s large enough to hold the weight of the plant as well as plenty of drainages. You also want a pot that’s made from sturdy material, and that’s not too heavy. Mint needs to be watered often but not all the time.

4. Can I grow Mint Indoors all year?

Yes, you can, but you’ll require the essential nutrients for growing mint indoors.

5. How much sun does a mint plant need?

Growing mint plants indoors doesn’t require much sunlight, but I prefer five hours of sun per day, which is enough for mint planting.

6. How long does it take to Grow Mint Indoors?

It may take up to a maximum of 3 weeks if you’ve done proper planting.

7. Can mint be grown in pots?

Yes, you can grow mint in pots; you have to provide them with four hours of sunlight daily to get a satisfying result.

8. Is mint hard to grow from seed?

Not that much read this article till the end all your doubts regarding planting mint indoors would be cleared.

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