Mints in Penmorfa

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 Penmorfa · last frost ≈ 26 Apr

Sow March to May, plant out May to June, harvest July to October. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Mint

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

    12 Mar to 10 May

    Sow seed thinly on the surface of moist seed compost around 12th March - 10th May and press it in lightly. Do not cover deeply, as mint seed needs light to get going.

  2. 02

    Pot On Seedlings

    1 May to 15 May

    When seedlings are large enough to handle from 1st May, prick them out into small individual pots. Keep them just moist and grow them on in a bright place.

  3. 03

    Plant Out

    29 May to 12 Jun

    Move plants into their final pots from 29th May, 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

    5 Jun to 6 Oct every 3 weeks

    From 5th June, 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

    5 Jun to 6 Oct every 2 weeks

    Check the pot often from 5th June 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

    31 Jul to 6 Oct every 2 weeks

    Start picking from 31st July once plants are well established. Snip shoots regularly from 31st July to 6th October, taking a little and often so the plant stays leafy and does not flower too early.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Mint.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

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.