Countertop Harvest
By the Countertop Harvest team · Last updated
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Is mint easy to grow indoors?
Yes. Iowa State Extension lists mint among the best herbs to start with indoors, alongside parsley, chives, basil, oregano, cilantro and thyme, because these tolerate the lower light, low humidity and cooler temperatures found inside homes. Mint's main quirk is that it spreads aggressively by runners, which is why every extension source recommends growing it in a container.
Mint indoors at a glance
| Need | What extension sources say |
|---|---|
| Pot | Its own container; University of Maryland suggests about 12–16 inches across to hold the runners. Drainage holes are a must. |
| Light | About 6 hours of bright light from a sunny window, or 12–16 hours under fluorescent or LED lamps (UC Master Gardeners). |
| Soil | Rich, moist, well-drained mix (University of Delaware); a well-drained soilless potting mix indoors (Maryland). |
| Water | Moderate (UC Master Gardeners). Keep it moist but never waterlogged, and empty the saucer. |
| Harvest | Pinch stems at any size; frequent harvesting encourages bushy growth. |
Step by step: growing mint inside
- Start from a cutting or a starter plant. UC Master Gardeners note cuttings and divisions can be done year round, and that seeds are an option too. A rooted cutting or a potted plant is the fastest way to a harvest.
- Give it its own pot. Iowa State recommends one herb species per container, and mint's runners will crowd out neighbors.
- Use drainage. A pot with holes and a well-drained potting mix. Maryland suggests two parts soilless mix to one part perlite for indoor herbs.
- Find the light. A south-facing window is best; east or west can work (Iowa State). No bright window? See the grow light options below.
- Water when the surface starts to dry, thoroughly, with room-temperature water (Maryland).
- Harvest often. Pinch stem tips just above a pair of leaves. On mint, Iowa State suggests removing the top third of growth rather than cutting it back hard.
- Trim runners that creep over the pot edge (Maryland).
Which mint should you grow?
Spearmint and peppermint are the classic choices. Maryland Extension describes spearmint as having lighter green, slightly crinkled leaves with a sweet smell, and peppermint as having dark green leaves, reddish stems and a warm, spicy scent. University of Delaware also lists chocolate and orange mint as flavored varieties. Peppermint can reach 18–36 inches and spearmint 6–24 inches (UC Master Gardeners), so expect regular trimming indoors.
Light setups for indoor mint
Under-cabinet LED bar
e.g. Modern Sprout Smart Growbar
- Flush-mount full-spectrum bar for a shelf or cabinet
- App schedules, timers and brightness
- Set it for 12–16 hours a day
Smart garden with built-in light
e.g. LetPot LPH-Air
- 10 pods, 24W full-spectrum light up to 14"
- App light schedule and water alerts
- Keeps mint contained in its own pod
Common indoor mint problems
- Leggy, pale stems: not enough light. Move it closer to the window or add a grow light (Iowa State).
- Fine webbing or speckled leaves: University of Delaware lists spider mites and aphids among mint pests. Check leaf undersides and rinse the plant.
- Orange pustules on leaves: Delaware lists mint rust as a disease. Remove affected stems.
- Yellowing with wet soil: too much water or poor drainage.
New to indoor herbs? Start with the best herbs to grow indoors and how much light herbs need. Dark kitchen? Read growing herbs without sunlight.
Sources
- University of Maryland Extension: Growing mint in a home garden
- University of Maryland Extension: Growing herbs in containers and indoors
- UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County: Mint
- University of Delaware Extension: Mint fact sheet
- Iowa State Extension: Growing herbs indoors
Frequently asked questions
Is mint easy to grow indoors?
Yes. Iowa State Extension lists mint among the best herbs for indoor growing.
How much light does indoor mint need?
About 6 hours of bright light from a sunny window, or 12 to 16 hours under fluorescent or LED lamps, per UC Master Gardeners.
What size pot does mint need?
University of Maryland Extension suggests a container about 12 to 16 inches across, with drainage holes, to contain its runners.
Should mint share a pot with other herbs?
No. Mint spreads aggressively by runners, and Iowa State recommends one herb species per container.
How do I harvest mint so it keeps growing?
Pinch stems often; frequent harvesting encourages bushy growth. Iowa State suggests removing up to the top third of growth on perennial herbs like mint.