Growing Mint, also Garden mint

Mentha spicata : Lamiaceae / the mint family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
P P P P P P P       P P

(Best months for growing Mint in South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Grow in trays and plant out or start from cuttings. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 70°F and 75°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 12 inches apart
  • Harvest in 8-12 weeks. Cut leaves from top with scissors.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Cabbages, Tomatoes
  • Mint leaf

Although mint can be grown from seeds, cuttings are a faster, more reliable option.
Cuttings can be planted directly when danger of frost is past. Mint can be grown in pots outdoors or indoors.

Mint prefers damp, partly shaded areas and once established will grow for many years. Mint dies down in Winter and sends up new shoots in Spring.

Mint is a rampant grower and will take over a garden bed if not restrained.

One way to contain mint is to use an old bottomless bucket pushed into the ground. The mint won't be able to put its roots out sideways, so will take longer to spread. If grown in a pot, mint needs to be watered regularly to keep it healthy.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Mint

Mint adds a fresh flavour if chopped and sprinkled over salads. And is traditionally used mixed with vinegar and sugar to make mint sauce for lamb.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for South Africa | for all countries
24 Oct 16, Gillian (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Does heavy wind affect a small balcony garden of tomatoes, parsley, spring onions, sage, mint tyme, spinach etc ?
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Nov 15, goitse (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
where can i buy mint seedlings in South Africa,also where can i found an active farmer who grows sweet corn
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Dec 13, Leann Ruth (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi there. I would like to fined out the names of all the different types of mint that is growing in South Africa? I would all sow like to fined out from you what type of mined would one plant down in Cape Town? Considering that it rains most of the time down there.? Thank you 4 all your help from Leann Ruth M
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Jul 13, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
can mint cuttings form roots if placed in acontainer of water
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Jul 13, Julian (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes, quite readily. A cutting 10 cm's or more in length with water about half way will most definitely form roots in about a week or so. It does much better in pots once planted out as mint really does roam.
Reply or Post a new comment
See comments for all plants

I have mine in my patio (which gets sun in the morning only). It's been there for 1 1/2 yr. and seems to thrive every season so far. Mint is super invasive, so make sure to keep them in their own pot or container, otherwise, it will take over your other plants.

- Perla

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.