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 June to October. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Growing guide for

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Plant mint in a contained bed or sunk pot if you want it in the soil. It spreads by runners, so containment is the main job.

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    18 Feb to 18 Apr

    Sow seed thinly on the surface of seed compost around 18th February - 18th April and barely cover it. Keep the compost evenly moist while the seedlings emerge.

  2. 02

    Pot On Seedlings

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

    Prick seedlings out into individual pots from 11th March once they are easy to handle. Grow them on until roots fill the pot and the plants are sturdy.

  3. 03

    Harden Off

    21 Mar to 4 Apr

    From 21st March, acclimatise plants outside over about 10 days before planting them out. Keep them out of cold wind and bring them in if a late cold spell is forecast.

  4. 04

    Plant Out

    8 Apr to 20 Jun

    Set plants into prepared ground from 8th April, spacing them so air can move around the clump. Water in thoroughly straight after planting and keep them watered until they are properly rooted.

  5. 05

    Contain Spread

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

    From 8th April, check for runners and cut them back before they root beyond the allotted space. Regular containment keeps ground-grown mint tidy and stops it taking over.

  6. 06

    Pinch And Harvest

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

    Begin picking from 3rd June once the plants have bulked up. Pinch out the tips often from 3rd June to 11th October and harvest regularly to keep fresh growth coming.

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.