If you want to know how to grow peppermint successfully at home, follow these 7 practical secrets for thriving plants full of fresh, aromatic leaves —perfect for teas, desserts, and balcony gardens.
Why Grow Peppermint at Home?
Culinary and Wellbeing Benefits
Fresh peppermint leaves are ideal for infusions, iced teas, salads, and desserts.
If you’re learning how to grow peppermint for the best flavor,
focus on soil, water, and light. Peppermint’s menthol-rich aroma is
refreshing, soothing, and unmistakable.
An Easy Plant, Even for Beginners
Peppermint is forgiving, vigorous, and returns every year. Whether you
grow peppermint in pots or directly in the ground, this herb adapts well
if given basic care. Even beginners can succeed.
7 Secrets on How to Grow Peppermint
-
Choose the Right Variety
Popular choices include Mitcham for strong menthol, Swiss for
a softer flavor, and Chocolate mint for desserts. Always start
with healthy plants or cuttings when planting peppermint. -
Get the Soil + Container Combo Right
In the ground: Use fertile soil mixed with compost and cover
with mulch to retain moisture.
In pots: Choose containers at least 20–25 cm deep, use a
peat-free potting mix with compost or coco fiber, and avoid waterlogging.
Tip: Peppermint spreads fast — containers help control growth. -
Light: Gentle Sun
Peppermint prefers morning sun or partial shade. Avoid harsh afternoon
heat which can scorch leaves and weaken the plant. -
Watering: Moist but Not Soggy
Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Water deeply, let the
top layer dry slightly, then water again. In pots, expect 2–4 waterings
per week in summer. -
Pruning and Everyday Care
Pinch young shoots to encourage bushy growth. Remove flowers quickly to
keep leaves flavorful. Cut plants back to 5–8 cm at season’s end. -
Easy Propagation Methods
- Division: Split clumps in spring or autumn.
- Stem cuttings: Root 10–12 cm cuttings in water or soil.
- Stolons: Pot up naturally rooted creeping stems.
-
Harvesting & Preserving Aroma
Harvest in the morning before flowers appear for the strongest aroma.
Use fresh, or preserve by drying in shade or freezing in ice cube trays.
Health Benefits of Peppermint
Peppermint helps digestion, soothes cramps, and supports respiratory health.
Its menthol acts as a mild antimicrobial and natural decongestant.
For more, read the
RHS peppermint growing guide.
Quick (and Delicious) Uses
- Fresh Mint Tea: Steep 10–12 leaves for 7–10 minutes.
- Detox Water: Add cucumber, lime, and mint leaves.
- Yogurt-Mint Sauce: Greek yogurt + garlic + mint.
- Instant Ice Cream: Blend bananas, mint, and chocolate.
FAQ About Growing Peppermint
Peppermint (× piperita) is a hybrid rich in menthol (pronounced taste, cooling effect), while spearmint (spicata) is milder, perfect in savory dishes (tabbouleh, sauces). Yes, absolutely. Choose a pot at least 20–25 cm deep, water regularly, give bright partial shade, and pinch often. Peppermint on a balcony loves capillary watering (short time with water in the saucer—then empty it). Infusions, herbal tea, ice tea, flavored waters, salads, desserts, syrups, “cocktail” ice cubes. As for peppermint’s benefits, it’s traditionally enjoyed after meals (digestive, fresh feeling).What’s the difference between peppermint and spearmint?
Can you grow peppermint on a balcony?
How do you use peppermint every day?
Bonus Tip — The Seedswild Balcony Aromatics Pack
Kick-start your herb garden with peppermint, basil, and chives.
Comes with a mint care guide, watering schedule, and propagation cards.
Conclusion: Growing Peppermint at Home
Easy, productive, and versatile, peppermint adapts to (almost) any space. By applying these 7 secrets, you’ll harvest powerfully fragrant leaves all season long—for your fresh mint teas, desserts, and chill moments. Ready to plant peppermint today?
Also read: Rosemary: sow, grow, cook · Chamomile: sowing & teas · Why Sage Deserves a Place in Every Home
