Mint is a versatile herb that adds refreshing flavor to drinks, desserts, entrees and more. Its cooling menthol flavor makes it a popular addition to summertime beverages and dishes. But can this hardy herb continue thriving through the winter months?
Many gardeners wonder will mint grow in winter? The good news is that yes with proper care, mint can survive and even continue growing during winter.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about growing mint in winter. We’ll cover:
- Mint’s winter hardiness and temperature tolerance
- How to prepare mint for winter
- Protecting mint from frost and freezing
- Winter care tips for watering, fertilizing, and pruning
- What to expect during mint’s dormancy period
- Forcing mint growth indoors
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Harvesting mint in winter
Understanding mint’s adaptability and adjusting care accordingly will ensure your mint thrives year-round, even through harsh winter conditions
Understanding Mint’s Winter Hardiness
Mint is a perennial herb that can thrive for years when planted in the proper growing zones. Most mint varieties are hardy in USDA zones 4-9, meaning they can survive temperatures down to -30°F (-34°C)1.
This cold tolerance makes mint a great option for year-round growth. While mint prefers temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C), it can continue growing at colder temperatures as long as it’s protected from severe frost and freezing.
Some mint varieties, like peppermint and spearmint, are particularly cold hardy. Choosing one of these types will provide the best chance for winter survival.
So even when the mercury dips, mint can keep growing and providing fresh flavor. But it does require adjusted care to thrive in winter.
Preparing Mint for Winter
Taking some steps to prepare mint for winter can help ensure it survives the cold months ahead:
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Prune back mint stems – Cutting mint back to about 1/3 of its original size reduces water loss and encourages new growth2.
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Add winter mulch – A 2-4 inch layer of straw, leaves, or bark around the bases insulates roots from frost3.
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Pot up container plants – Mint grown in containers should be moved into pots at least 12 inches deep before winter to prevent root damage4.
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Check for pests – Inspect leaves and treat for any insects or diseases, which can weaken plants going into winter.
Getting mint ready before winter sets in gives it the best chance of survival when freezing temperatures arrive.
Protecting Mint from Frost and Freezing
Once winter hits, protecting mint from icy conditions is crucial. Here are some effective frost protection methods:
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Cover mint with cloches or cold frames to maintain warmer temperatures around plants. Use plastic or glass for best insulation5.
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Place floating row covers over plants to shield leaves from frost. Allow for ventilation to prevent overheating6.
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Insulate container plants by wrapping or covering pots with bubble wrap, burlap, or other insulating materials7.
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Move potted mints into unheated garages, sheds, or greenhouses to shelter from winter winds and ice8.
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Cover beds with additional mulch as temperatures drop to protect roots from hard freezes.
Taking these precautions will help safeguard mint from the harshest winter has to offer.
Caring for Mint in Winter
Adjusting your watering, fertilizing, and pruning is crucial for winter care:
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Water less frequently as growth slows, but don’t let soil dry out completely9.
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Apply balanced fertilizer monthly at half strength to avoid burning roots10.
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Prune damaged stems and leaves to prevent disease and encourage new growth11.
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Clear away any ** Heavy snow** buildup to prevent plant breakage and rotting12.
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Check for rodent damage around bases and take steps to protect plants from nibbling pests13.
With proper cold season care, mint will stay healthy through winter while other plants decline.
Mint’s Winter Dormancy Period
In very cold regions, mint may go dormant and appear to die back during winter months14. This is normal! During dormancy, mint stops active growth and simply perseveres until spring15.
To help mint survive dormancy:
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Move containers to an unheated, protected spot to maintain consistent cool temperatures.
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Water sparingly, just every 2-3 weeks.
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Don’t fertilize until new growth resumes in spring.
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Prune away any collapsed growth to encourage revival.
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Wait for new shoots to emerge before harvesting.
With minimal care during dormancy, mint will bounce back vigorously when conditions improve.
Forcing Mint to Grow Indoors
If you want fresh mint all winter long, you can force dormant mint to grow indoors. Here’s how:
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Select a healthy mint plant and move it into a container with drainage holes16.
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Place in a sunny window or under grow lights providing 14-16 hours of daily light17.
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Keep ambient temperatures around 65-70°F18.
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Water when the top inch of soil dries out19.
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Mist leaves regularly to boost humidity20.
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Begin harvesting once new growth is several inches tall.
With ample warmth and light, you can keep mint producing all season long indoors!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When caring for mint in winter, be sure to avoid these common missteps:
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Allowing soil to completely dry out, causing drought stress21.
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Overwatering, leading to root rot22.
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Skipping winter pruning and fertilizing23.
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Not providing frost protection24.
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Letting pests like rodents or fungus gnats attack plants25.
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Forcing dormant mint to grow too soon before winter ends26.
By sidestepping these issues, your mint will prosper regardless of the cold conditions outside.
Harvesting Mint in Winter
One of the best parts of growing winter mint is enjoying fresh flavor all season long. Here are some tips:
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Harvest leaves as needed once plants are established or forced into growth27.
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Pick leaves before any hard freezes hit outdoor plants28.
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Use sharp scissors or pruners for clean cuts29.
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Don’t harvest more than 1/3 of leaves at once to avoid stressing plants30.
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Store harvested leaves in sealed bags in the refrigerator for up to one week31.
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Freeze leaves in ice cube trays with water or stock for longer storage32.
With the right care, your mint will keep producing plenty of leaves to flavor warm winter drinks, soups, baked goods, and more all season long.
Keep Enjoying Fresh Mint All Winter Long
Now that you know mint can continue growing through winter with adjusted care, you can look forward to harvesting homegrown flavor even during the coldest months.
Pay close attention to mint’s needs, protect it from harsh weather, and avoid common issues. With this expert winter guidance, you’ll be enjoying fresh mint leaves long after summer ends.
So go ahead and brew up some mint tea or mix up a minty milkshake – your winter mint will keep your recipes bursting with refreshing flavor all season!
How To Care For Potted Mint Indoors
Caring for potted mint indoors can be quite straightforward, and it allows you to enjoy fresh herbs year-round. Here are some tips on how to care for potted mint in your indoor herb garden:
- Choose the Right Pot: Select a well-draining pot that is at least 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter and has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.
- Potting Mix: Use a high-quality potting mix with good drainage. You can also add some perlite or sand to improve drainage further, and fertilizer for more fertile soil.
- Location: Place the mint pot in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight, such as a sunny windowsill. Mint prefers about 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight daily. A south or west-facing window is usually ideal.
- Regular Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the mint when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure the pot has a drainage hole to prevent root rot.
- Humidity: Mint appreciates higher humidity levels. You can increase humidity by misting the plant with water or placing a tray of water with pebbles near the plant. This will help mimic its outdoor environment.
- Temperature: Mint prefers temperatures between 60-70°F. Avoid placing it in drafts or near heaters or air conditioning vents.
- Fertilization: Feed your potted mint with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring through early fall). Reduce or stop fertilizing during the winter when growth slows.
- Pruning: Regularly pinch or trim the mint to encourage bushier growth and healthier plants. This not only provides fresh leaves for harvesting but also helps prevent legginess.
- Pest and Disease Management: Keep an eye out for pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. If you notice any issues, address them promptly with appropriate measures, such as washing the leaves with soapy water or using neem oil.
- Repotting: For best results, repot mint plants every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a slightly larger pot when repotting and refresh the soil.
With proper care, potted mint can thrive indoors and provide you with fresh mint leaves for culinary purposes throughout the year. Just be sure to monitor its growth and adjust care as needed to keep it healthy and vigorous.
Can You Overwinter Mint In Containers?
Yes, you can overwinter mint in containers with proper care. Overwintering mint in containers is a great option, especially if you live in an area with harsh winters or if you want to prevent mint from spreading uncontrollably in your garden.
Here are the steps to successfully overwinter mint in containers:
- Choose the Right Container: Use a sturdy container with good drainage. A pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter and depth is generally suitable for growing mint. Ensure there are drainage holes at the bottom of the container to prevent waterlogging. We love this elongated herb planter by Amazing Creations for our indoor herb garden (it’s self-watering too!).
- Trim the Mint: Before the onset of winter, prune your mint plants back to a few inches above the soil level. This helps reduce the above-ground growth and encourages the plant to focus on its root system.
- Mulch: After pruning, add a layer of mulch, such as straw or mulched leaves, to the top of the soil in the container. This helps insulate the root ball and protect it from freezing temperatures.
- Move to a Sheltered Location: Find a sheltered spot for your mint containers. Placing them against a south-facing wall or in a protected area can provide some warmth and protection from harsh winds.
- Water Sparingly: During the winter months, mint doesn’t require as much water as it does during the growing season. Water sparingly to keep the soil from completely drying out, but avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot.
- Monitor for Pests: Check the mint occasionally for signs of pests or fungal disease, as these issues can still occur during the winter. Treat any problems promptly.
- Consider Bringing Indoors: If you have a particularly harsh winter with extremely low temperatures, you can bring the mint containers indoors. Place them in a cool, well-lit area, such as a basement or garage, and water sparingly.
In milder climates, mint may continue to grow outdoors in containers throughout the winter with minimal protection. However, in colder regions, these steps will help ensure that your mint plants survive the winter and return with vigor in late spring.
How To Overwinter Mint in Containers Balconia Garden
FAQ
How do you keep mint alive in the winter?
Consider Bringing Indoors: If you have a particularly harsh winter with extremely low temperatures, you can bring the mint containers indoors. Place them in a cool, well-lit area, such as a basement or garage, and water sparingly.
Can I grow mint all year round?
Mint is best planted in spring, although potted mint can be planted right through to autumn, except in hot dry spells. It is happy in full sun or partial shade. Water it well both before and after planting. See our guide to planting perennials and our video guide to planting herbs in pots.
What temperature is too cold for mint?
Mint is a rapid growing perennial herb with many varieties that grow up to 3 feet tall and are quite invasive. Mint grows best in full sun to partial shade, should be planted early in the growing season and is generally hardy to -20° F.
Can mint survive winter?
Rosemary, mint, and parsley are all hardy plants that can survive in freezing temperatures. However, cold weather reduces the growth of these plants, so you should limit your harvest. If you overdo it, the plant will die. Can mints survive the winter? How do I protect my mint from freezing? We’ll go over the details in greater depth later.
Can you grow mint indoors during winter?
Yes, it is possible to grow mint indoors during winter. Mint is a great herb to grow indoors because it is easy to care for and can be used in a variety of dishes. To grow mint indoors, make sure to provide it with bright, indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Will mint plants re-emerge after winter?
Yes, mint plants will regrow after winter. They may die back to the ground during winter, but they will re-emerge in the spring. To encourage new growth, prune the plants back in the early spring before new growth appears. This will encourage the plant to produce new shoots and leaves.