Mint: The Herb That Takes Over (And How to Control It)
Mint is a vigorous perennial that spreads by runners. Always plant in containers — in the ground, it takes over. Once contained, it’s the easiest herb.
Mint is famous for two things: it’s impossible to kill, and it’s impossible to contain.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to sprout | 10-15 |
| Days to harvest | 60+ |
| Sun | 4-6 hours |
| Spacing | Container only |
| Lifespan | Perennial |
| Flavor | Cool, menthol |
Why Grow It
- Almost unkillable. Survives neglect.
- Perennial. Comes back every year.
- Fast spreading. Fills a container quickly.
- Versatile. Tea, cocktails, dessert, salads.
How It Fails
Failure 1: Takes over the garden. Plant in containers only. Failure 2: Rust disease. Orange spots on leaves. Remove affected leaves. Failure 3: Leggy. Not enough sun.
Comparison
| Variety | Flavor | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Spearmint | Sweet, mild | Tea, cooking |
| Peppermint | Strong menthol | Tea, candy |
| Chocolate | Mint + chocolate | Dessert |
| Lemon | Citrus | Tea, fish |
Common Questions
Why is my mint dying? Possibly rust disease. Or root-bound in container.
Can I plant it in the ground? Only if you want it everywhere. Use containers.
How do I contain it? Plant in a pot. Sink the pot into the ground if needed.
Does it come back every year? Yes. Aggressively.
How do I harvest? Cut stems to 2 inches. Regrows fast.
Can I grow it indoors? Yes. 4-6 hours of light.