How Long Does Mint Need to Grow?

Planting Preparations

• Select a location that is in full sun to partial shade. The soil best suited for mint is one that is moist and slightly acidic. To prepare the ground for planting, work 2 to 4 inches of compost manure along with 1/2 tbsp. of all-purpose fertilizer into the top 6 inches of the soil. Use the same quantity of these two components in each square foot of planting. The soil is now ready for either seeds or transplants.

Planting

• Plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep into the ground, and space parallel rows 2 feet apart. If you grow different varieties of mint, plant them as far from each other as you can, to avoid cross-pollinating.

  Another way to plant mint is to use cuttings instead of seeds. This is the simplest method of propagating the herb. To use this technique, look for a sprig of mint shooting up from the ground a small distance from the parent plant. Grasp the sprig and gently pull from the soil a small portion of underground stem. Plant the sprig so that the roots lay right underneath the soil's surface.

Care

• Apply 1 to 2 inches of water to the plants each week. Do not overwater, as it will make the plants more susceptible to disease. Once in the early spring apply a slow-release fertilizer. Use 1 tsp. of a 16-16-16 complete fertilizer for each plant to ensure the plants receive the nutrients they need. Utah State University Extension cautions that too much water and fertilizer fosters rust and reduces the production of mint oil.

Troubleshooting

• Mint can grow and spread very aggressively. To curtail the growth you may plant the mint in containers so that the roots are confined within an area.

  To minimize disease, make sure the plants receive adequate sunlight and follow the recommended watering methods. Drip irrigation is a procedure you may want to consider, as it supplies regular water while keeping foliage dry. When the mint starts to spread vigorously, thin out the growth to keep the plants healthy.