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 July to September.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNo

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.

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

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

    Sow seed thinly on the surface of seed compost around mid-March to mid-May and barely cover it. Keep the compost evenly moist while the seedlings emerge.

  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

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

  3. 03

    Harden Off

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

    From mid-April, 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

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

    Set plants into prepared ground from early May, 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

    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, 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

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

    Begin picking from early July once the plants have bulked up. Pinch out the tips often from early July to late September 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.