When to plant Mint in London

Mentha spp.

Mint
Mint · Mentha spp.

Mint is a hardy, vigorous herb that grows well in the ground or in pots across the UK. It spreads quickly, so containers or a contained bed are usually the easiest way to keep it under control.

60 cm · Partial Shade · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to London · last frost ≈ 4 Apr

Sow outdoors February to April, plant out April to June, harvest April to November. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Growing guide for

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Grow mint in a pot to stop it spreading and to keep the flavour fresh. It suits a bright windowsill, patio, or sheltered spot outdoors.

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    18 Feb to 18 Apr

    Sow seed thinly on the surface of moist seed compost around 18th February - 18th April and press it in lightly. Do not cover deeply, as mint seed needs light to get going.

  2. 02

    Pot On Seedlings

    11 Mar to 23 May Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    When seedlings are large enough to handle from 11th March, prick them out into small individual pots. Keep them just moist and grow them on in a bright place.

  3. 03

    Plant Out

    8 Apr to 20 Jun

    Move plants into their final pots from 8th April, using free-draining compost and a container with good drainage holes. Water in thoroughly straight after planting and keep the compost lightly moist while roots settle.

  4. 04

    Pinch Out Tips

    8 Apr to 11 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 3 weeks

    From 8th April, pinch out the growing tips regularly to keep plants bushy and delay flowering. If stems get leggy, trim them back lightly and the plant will usually reshoot.

  5. 05

    Water and Feed

    8 Apr to 11 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeks

    Check the pot often from 8th April and water whenever the compost starts to dry at the top. A light liquid feed every 14 days helps pots keep producing fresh growth.

  6. 06

    Harvest Leaves

    22 Apr to 10 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeks

    Start picking from 22nd April once plants are well established. Snip shoots regularly from 22nd April to 10th November, taking a little and often so the plant stays leafy and does not flower too early.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Mint to consider

Spearmint

A classic, sweet mint for tea, sauces, and salads. It is a strong grower and a good choice for pots.

Peppermint

A sharper mint with a strong menthol flavour. It grows well in a container and is best picked young for the cleanest taste.

Chocolate Mint

A milder mint with a hint of cocoa in the scent. It spreads just as freely as other mints, so keep it contained.

Mint guides by town

See how Mint timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.