There are hundreds of mints to choose from, however the two most popular mints to grow are peppermint and spearmint. They are from the plant family Lamiaceae. Peppermint has the most minty taste of the two and can be used in tea. Spearmint is sweeter in taste. Both are easy to grow in a Phoenix herb garden.
Phoenix Gardening Steps: Grow Mint
- When and how to plant mint
- What grows well near mint and what doesn’t?
- How to care for mint
- Harvesting mint- When is the ideal time to pick mint?
When to Plant and How to Grow Mint Herbs
Mint is a cool season herb. It prefers cooler temperatures, so provide shade. Mint can grow one to two feet in height. It spreads rapidly and can quickly take over a garden if it is allowed to. If planting more than one plant provide at least 18 inches between plants.
Mint can be transplanted to your Phoenix garden in the months of February, March, April and October. Seeds should be sown under 1/4 inch of soil and started indoors. Seedlings will start to sprout in two to three weeks. Due to the length of time it takes for mint to reach maturity mint is often grown from a cutting rather than seeds.
The herb can grow six to twelve inches in height and spread up to eight inches. If growing more than one plant space at least 12 inches apart.
Companion Plants for Mint
Both tomato and cabbage plants benefit from being planted near mint. Don’t plant near parsley or chamomile.
How to Care for Mint
Light Requirements: Mint needs full sun to partial shade or about 4- 6 hours of sun a day.
Soil Requirements: Prefers rich fertile soil. Mint prefers slightly acidic pH. The soil pH range of 6-7 is ideal.
Water Requirements: Mint plant like consistent moisture. Water three times per week or enough to keep the soil moist.
When to Harvest Mint
Mint takes about 90 days from seed to harvest. Purchasing transplants will mean you can harvest sooner. After cutting this herb plants will have new growth.