Q: Can I grow mint indoors year-round?

Yes, but it can be challenging. To be successful indoors, you must provide it with enough light. A pot on a south-facing windowsill that gets at least 6 hours of direct sun is essential. If you don't have that, you will likely need a grow light. Indoor mint is also more susceptible to pests like spider mites, so inspect it regularly.

Q: Does having a pot of mint on my patio really repel mosquitoes?

It can help, but its effect is often overstated. While the oils in mint are a known mosquito repellent, a single, undisturbed plant on a table doesn't release enough of these oils into the air to create a bug-free zone. The repellent effect is strongest when you crush or brush the leaves to release their scent. So, while it's a nice addition, it's not a magic bullet.

Q: Can I plant different types of mint, like spearmint and peppermint, in the same pot?

I strongly advise against it. There are two main reasons. First, the more aggressive variety will almost always choke out the other one over time. Second, mint varieties can cross-pollinate, which can result in plants that have a muddled, unpredictable flavor. For the best results, I always give each mint variety its own separate pot.

Q: Since mint roots so easily in water, can I just grow it in a vase permanently?

You can for a while, but it will not thrive long-term without added nutrients. While mint will survive in plain water for weeks, it will eventually become pale and weak because water lacks the essential minerals found in soil. To grow it in water permanently (a practice called hydroponics), you would need to add a specially formulated liquid hydroponic nutrient solution to the water regularly.

Q: How often do I need to repot my mint into a bigger container?

Typically every 1-2 years, or whenever you notice its growth slowing. When a mint plant becomes root-bound, it runs out of space and nutrients. At this point, you have two choices: either move it to a pot that is a few inches wider, or perform the "annual refresh" I described in the expert guide by trimming the roots and replanting it in the same pot with fresh soil.

Question 1

Can I grow mint indoors year-round?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it can be challenging. To be successful indoors, you must provide it with enough light.

A pot on a south-facing windowsill that gets at least 6 hours of direct sun is essential. If you don't have that, you will likely need a grow light.

Indoor mint is also more susceptible to pests like spider mites, so inspect it regularly.

Question 2

My mint has flowered! What should I do, and are the flowers edible?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the flowers are edible, and you should prune the plant back after it finishes flowering. The flowers have a mild, sweet, minty flavor.

Once the flowering cycle is complete, I recommend giving the plant a "renewal prune" (cutting it back by about half) to encourage a new flush of vigorous, flavorful leafy growth.

Question 3

Does having a pot of mint on my patio really repel mosquitoes?

Accepted Answer

It can help, but its effect is often overstated.

While the oils in mint are a known mosquito repellent, a single, undisturbed plant on a table doesn't release enough of these oils into the air to create a bug-free zone.

The repellent effect is strongest when you crush or brush the leaves to release their scent. So, while it's a nice addition, it's not a magic bullet.

Question 4

Can I plant different types of mint, like spearmint and peppermint, in the same pot?

Accepted Answer

I strongly advise against it. There are two main reasons.

First, the more aggressive variety will almost always choke out the other one over time. Second, mint varieties can cross-pollinate, which can result in plants that have a muddled, unpredictable flavor.

For the best results, I always give each mint variety its own separate pot.

Question 5

Is mint safe for my cat or dog?

Accepted Answer

This is a critical question, and the answer for most common mints is no.

According to the ASPCA, many plants in the Mentha family (including spearmint and peppermint) are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, potentially causing vomiting and diarrhea.

To be safe, I always recommend keeping mint plants out of reach of pets.

Question 6

Since mint roots so easily in water, can I just grow it in a vase permanently?

Accepted Answer

You can for a while, but it will not thrive long-term without added nutrients.

While mint will survive in plain water for weeks, it will eventually become pale and weak because water lacks the essential minerals found in soil.

To grow it in water permanently (a practice called hydroponics), you would need to add a specially formulated liquid hydroponic nutrient solution to the water regularly.

Question 7

How often do I need to repot my mint into a bigger container?

Accepted Answer

Typically every 1-2 years, or whenever you notice its growth slowing.

When a mint plant becomes root-bound, it runs out of space and nutrients. At this point, you have two choices: either move it to a pot that is a few inches wider, or perform the "annual refresh" I described in the expert guide by trimming the roots and replanting it in the same pot with fresh soil.

Author: Yun

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