Organic Common Mint

Mint (Mentha spp.)

• Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
• Native Range: Exact origins are unknown, as mint has naturalized worldwide and has been cultivated for centuries in temperate and subtropical regions
• Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 6 and warmer, thriving in a variety of climates. Can survive down to zone 3 with proper winter protection, such as mulch or container overwintering
• Sun Requirements: Prefers full sun to part shade, though it grows well in shadier spots with slightly less vigor
• Growth Habit & Size: Grows as a lush, spreading herb, reaching 18 inches tall. Spreads indefinitely by underground stems (rhizomes), making it a vigorous grower that can quickly take over garden spaces if not contained
• Foliage: This common mint is not a specific variety, such as peppermint or spearmint. Mints readily cross-pollinate, so plants grown from seed may display a wide range of leaf shapes.
• Flavor Profile: Mint has a cool, refreshing aroma with herbal and slightly sweet undertones
• Great for Containers: Ideal for container growing to prevent unwanted spreading in garden beds. Can be grown indoors on a windowsill or patio for year-round access to fresh mint

When to Sow Outdoors:

• Direct sow 1 to 2 weeks after your last frost date, when soil temperatures are consistently 68°–75°F
• Choose a moist, well-draining area with access to full sun or part shade
• Mint grows vigorously and spreads quickly, so consider planting in containers or designated areas to prevent it from overtaking other plants

When to Start Indoors:

• Begin seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date for a head start on growth
• Maintain an ideal soil temperature of 68°–75°F for successful germination
• Use light, well-draining potting soil and avoid heavy coverings
• Transplant outdoors after the risk of frost has passed and plants are well established

Days to Emerge: Mint seeds typically sprout within 7–14 days, depending on warmth and moisture levels

Moisture Needs: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged during germination

Light Requirements: Provide plenty of light—either a bright window or grow lights indoors—to encourage sturdy growth

Seed Depth: Sow seeds ¼ inch deep, pressing lightly into the soil for good contact

Seed Spacing:

• Outdoors: Plant 3 seeds per cluster every 12 inches
• Indoors: Place 3 seeds per seed cell or small pot for easy transplanting

Row Spacing: Leave 18 inches between rows for airflow and easy maintenance

Thinning: Once seedlings reach 2–3 inches tall, thin to one strong plant per 12-inch space

Transplanting: Mint thrives when allowed to spread, but for container growth, transplant into a pot at least 12 inches wide to accommodate root expansion

Days to Maturity: Ready for first harvest in approximately 75 days, though young leaves can be clipped earlier for fresh use. Plants become more robust with regular harvesting, encouraging bushier, more productive growth

Watering Needs: Prefers consistently moist soil but does not tolerate standing water

Pruning: Trim back frequently to control spread and encourage tender new growth

Overwintering: In zones 6 and warmer, mint will return each year, dying back in winter and re-sprouting in spring. In colder zones, grow in containers and bring indoors or mulch heavily for protection

Get the most out of your mint with our Mint Grow Guide—packed with expert tips and step-by-step instructions for a thriving herb garden!

We believe in the power of fresh, homegrown food—and we stand behind every seed, kit, and product we offer. That’s why we back everything with our Full-Year Grow Guarantee.

If your seeds don’t sprout, your plants don’t thrive, or you’re just not completely happy with your purchase, we’ll replace it or refund it—no questions asked.