How to Propagate Kentucky Mint

Propagate from Runners

• 1

  Fill a flower pot with a good-quality potting soil. Add water until the soil is moist.

• 2

  Go into the garden and look at the Kentucky Colonel mint plant. If it is well established, there are small plants growing a few inches from the older plant. Use the trowel to dig up a "baby," cutting the runner with the scissors.

• 3

  Scoop out a small amount of the potting soil in the flower pot. Place the baby mint's roots into the hole and cover the roots with the moist soil, tamping gently. Water thoroughly.

• 4

  Place the flower pot in a warm location where it receives bright, filtered light. Water regularly until established; mint prefers moist soil. Once the plant is putting out new leaves and growing rapidly, move it outside in full sun or partial shade.

Propagate from Cuttings

• 5

  Cut several 4- to 6-inch sprigs from the parent plant. Each cutting needs at least three sets of leaves. Remove the bottom sets of leaves by pinching off with your fingers.

• 6

  Place the cuttings in a glass or jar. Add enough water to cover the joints where you removed the leaves.

• 7

  Place the jar in a warm location, in bright, filtered light. The new roots will start forming in a few days. Add water as needed to keep the roots covered with water.

• 8

  Plant in flower pots as described in Section 1, after the roots are 2 to 3 inches long.

• 9

  Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Do not allow to dry out completely; however, do not allow the mint to stand in water either.

• 10

  Fertilize in the spring, when the mint begins growing actively. Use one tsp. of a 16-16-16 fertilizer, and water thoroughly.

• 11

  Trim the mint regularly, saving the leaves for tea or mint juleps.