Peppermint Growing Guide

Peppermint reaches maturity at about 90 days. While partial sun is sufficient for peppermint, planting it in full sun will increase the potency of its oils and medicinal qualities. While peppermint can be grown in-ground, it is recommended to grow peppermint in containers if spreading is a concern. If using containers, peppermint needs containers large enough to handle the plant’s extensive root system, at least 2 gallon, but 5 gallon should be plenty. Also, if doing containers, you will need to be more vigilant with watering because containers can cause plants to dry out faster.

According to Greek mythology, mint originates from the story of Minthe, the mistress of Hades. When Persephone, his wife, found out about their relationship, she turned Minthe into a mint plant so she would be stepped on and crushed. To keep others from trampling her, Hades gave her mint’s trademark aroma.

The ideal time to harvest is just as the flowers are starting to bloom. The essential oils that give the herb its flavor are at their highest concentration in the morning, so peppermint should also be harvested early in the day for the strongest flavor. To harvest, either cut stems down to about an inch above the soil, or snip off a few inches from the top. The stems will grow back and you’ll have more to harvest during the remainder of the growing season. But they may not reach this perfect peak of flavor again until the following year.

Store the dried leaves in an airtight container. Or, store fresh-cut herbs in a water-filled glass, with a produce bag wrapped around the top and tied in place. You can also store freshly harvested mint in the refrigerator. Wrap mint sprigs in a damp paper towel and place them in an unsealed plastic bag or tin foil wrap in the fridge. When stored properly, your mint should last anywhere from three to fourteen days. Peppermint leaves dry well. You can bundle them up and hang them in a cool, dry, protected space for several weeks. You can also lay the leaves out on a cookie sheet and bake them on the lowest setting of your oven until they’re crisp.