Peppermint
Beta vulgaris
Vivid pink-on-white striping on the petiole. Glossy dark green leaves make for a striking contrast with the brilliant white veins. Deep leaf savoy for higher leaf volume. Long, strong petioles and upright habit make for quick and easy harvesting and bunching. Selected for strong disease tolerance and high bolt resistance. Peppermint is more than a novelty item; its strong agronomic qualities make it an outstanding performer in the field, and its beautiful color grabs attention at market. The ace of our field trials year after year.
Harvest
60-90d
Days to harvest
Sun
Partial shade to full sun
Zones
3–9
USDA hardiness
Height
12-24 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Peppermint in USDA Zone 7
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Peppermint · Zones 3–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – July | — | July – October |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – July | — | July – October |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – June | — | June – October |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – June | — | June – November |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – June | — | June – November |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – May | — | May – December |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – April | — | April – December |
Complete Growing Guide
Growing peppermint successfully starts with choosing the right location and containing its aggressive spreading habit. Select a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, or provide 4-6 hours of filtered sunlight daily. Before planting, prepare your soil by working in 2-3 inches of compost and aged manure to create the rich, moisture-retentive environment peppermint craves.
Since peppermint is a sterile hybrid, you cannot grow it from seed. Start with divisions from established plants or rooted cuttings in early spring after soil temperatures reach 55°F. When transplanting, space plants 12-18 inches apart and immediately install root barriers at least 12 inches deep, or grow in containers to prevent invasive spreading. For container growing, use pots at least 12 inches wide with drainage holes and quality potting mix enriched with compost.
Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) or side-dress with compost. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of essential oil concentration. Maintain consistent soil moisture but never allow waterlogged conditions, which invite root rot.
The biggest mistake new peppermint growers make is underestimating its spreading nature. Even small root fragments left in soil will sprout new plants. Regularly inspect container edges and remove any runners attempting to escape. Another common error is allowing the plant to flower, which reduces leaf quality and essential oil content. Pinch flower buds as soon as they appear.
Maximize your harvest by implementing a cut-and-come-again approach. Begin harvesting when plants reach 6-8 inches tall, cutting stems back to 2-3 inches above soil level. This encourages bushier growth and prevents the woody stems that develop in older plants. In zones 3-7, mulch heavily before winter to protect roots from freeze damage.
Harvesting
Harvest peppermint leaves when plants reach 6-8 inches tall and stems are still tender and green, typically 60-90 days after planting. The optimal time is mid-morning after dew has dried but before the heat of midday, when essential oil concentration peaks. Look for vibrant green leaves with no yellowing or brown edges, and stems that bend easily without snapping.
To harvest, use clean scissors or pinch stems just above a set of leaves, cutting back to 2-3 inches above soil level. This aggressive cutting encourages bushy regrowth and prevents flowering, which diminishes leaf quality. For continuous harvest, cut no more than one-third of the plant at once, rotating sections every 2-3 weeks. Young, tender leaves at stem tips contain the highest concentration of menthol and offer the best flavor. Avoid harvesting during hot, dry periods when plants are stressed, as this produces bitter, less aromatic leaves.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh peppermint leaves stay crisp for 3-5 days when stored like cut flowers in water at room temperature, or wrapped in damp paper towels in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer preservation, air-dry whole stems by hanging in bundles in a warm, dry location with good air circulation for 2-3 weeks until leaves crumble easily.
Freeze whole leaves in ice cube trays with water for cocktails and teas, or flash-freeze clean, dry leaves on baking sheets before transferring to freezer bags for up to six months. For the most concentrated flavor, make peppermint oil by gently heating fresh leaves in carrier oil at low temperature for several hours, then straining. Properly stored dried peppermint retains potency for 12-18 months in airtight containers away from light and heat.
History & Origin
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a natural hybrid that emerged spontaneously in European wetlands centuries ago, created when watermint (M. aquatica) and spearmint (M. spicata) cross-pollinated. First formally documented in 1696 by English botanist John Ray, peppermint was initially considered a species rather than a hybrid due to its distinct characteristics and stable traits.
Commercial cultivation began in the late 1700s near London, but the crop suffered from a devastating rust disease that nearly eliminated English production. In 1790, American farmers in New York began growing peppermint commercially, eventually establishing the United States as the world's primary producer. The industry later shifted westward to Michigan, Indiana, and Oregon, where cooler climates and rich soils proved ideal.
Mint has held cultural significance across civilizations, from ancient Greek mythology where the nymph Minthe was transformed into the plant, to medieval monasteries where monks cultivated it for medicinal purposes. Today's peppermint remains genetically identical to those original European hybrids, maintaining its characteristic intense menthol content that distinguishes it from other mint varieties.
Advantages
- +Extremely hardy perennial that survives winters in zones 3-11 with minimal care
- +Highest menthol content among mint varieties, providing intense cooling sensation
- +Natural pest deterrent that repels ants, mice, and aphids when planted around garden borders
- +Produces continuous harvests from late spring through first frost with proper cutting
- +Thrives in partial shade where other herbs struggle, perfect for woodland gardens
- +Requires no fertilizer in decent soil due to aggressive growth habit
- +Self-propagates readily through runners, providing endless free plants for expansion
Considerations
- -Aggressively invasive, capable of overtaking entire garden beds within one season
- -Cannot be grown from seed, requiring purchase of starter plants or divisions
- -Susceptible to mint rust in humid climates, which can devastate entire plantings
- -Requires consistent moisture, wilting quickly during hot, dry periods
- -Essential oil content decreases significantly once plants flower, demanding vigilant deadheading
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Tomatoes
Peppermint repels ants, aphids, and flea beetles that commonly attack tomato plants
Cabbage
Deters cabbage moths, aphids, and flea beetles while improving cabbage flavor
Broccoli
Repels cabbage worms, aphids, and other brassica pests
Radishes
Mint helps deter flea beetles and root maggots that damage radish crops
Carrots
Repels carrot flies and aphids while attracting beneficial predatory insects
Lettuce
Deters slugs, aphids, and flea beetles that commonly damage lettuce leaves
Roses
Repels aphids, ants, and rodents while attracting beneficial pollinators
Marigolds
Both plants repel similar pests and create a strong aromatic barrier against insects
Keep Apart
Parsley
Peppermint's aggressive spreading nature can overwhelm and outcompete parsley plants
Chamomile
Mint's vigorous root system and allelopathic compounds can inhibit chamomile growth
Cilantro
Peppermint's rapid spreading can crowd out cilantro and reduce its seed production
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #173474)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant, occasional rust or powdery mildew in humid conditions
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites, flea beetles, mint root borer
Diseases
Rust, powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, mint anthracnose