When to plant Mint in the UK

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
Sow outdoors March to May, plant out May to July, harvest May to October.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNo

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

Growing guide for the UK

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

    mid-March to mid-May UK average · set your town for your exact dates

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

  2. 02

    Pot On Seedlings

    early April to late June UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

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

  3. 03

    Plant Out

    early May to mid-July UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Move plants into their final pots from early 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

    early May to late September UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 3 weeks

    From early May, 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

    early May to late September UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeks

    Check the pot often from early May 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

    late May to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeks

    Start picking from late May once plants are well established. Snip shoots regularly from late May to late October, 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.