USDA Zone 2-10 | Creeper/Spreader
Learn more at Bonnie Plants.

Mint is an integral and/or complementary garnish to dozens of tiki cocktails. Growing your own mint plants will save tiki fans hundreds of dollars betters spent on rum.

Mint is a relatively easy plant to care for and manage. It really only requires water and some occasional fertilizer. Mint does like the sun, but can thrive in part-sun to shade as well. My mint is in full sun.

Google Gemini’s Take
Mint is a versatile herb prized for its refreshing aroma and flavor. Its cool, invigorating taste comes from menthol, a natural oil found in the leaves. Mint is a common ingredient in savory dishes like salads and sauces, but it also shines in desserts like chocolate chip cookies and mojitos. Beyond culinary uses, mint is used in teas for its calming properties and can be found in various household products like toothpaste and chewing gum.

Pot Required

While mint will grow almost anywhere, its propensity to spread really does require you to use a container. I have seen comments on tiki threads celebrating their growing expansion of their mint plant. But, while it may be fun now, it won’t be later. Mint is difficult to get rid of attempt to control it later.

Mint will also grow where you’d rather it not. It will take root in cracks, under fences and other areas. Just don’t do it. A pot will keep your mint in a contained area and still foster plenty of mint for your needs.

A couple things to know about container gardening:

• Drainage. Be sure it has a drainage hole on the bottom.
• One Year or More?
  • Depending your USDA hardiness zone, a container will make it more likely to be an annual (rather than a returning perennial).
  • That is because a container garden usually requires plants two zones under their current zone to survive winter.
  • I live in Chicago and my mint has never returned after a winter, so I replant annually.
• Do Both.
  • You may consider placing your mint in a container, and then planting the container into the ground.
  • This will help contain its spread, while still offering additional winter protection.

Water, Water, Water

Mint loves moist soil. Growing it in a container will make keeping it moist a bit more difficult, but it is worth it. I keep my mint on our rooftop in full sun. I find myself watering it daily. If the soil isn’t moist, it should be.

Fertilize

Mint, particularly if it is in a container, likes fertilizer. I use Jobe’s Flowering Plant stakes. While they indicate they are for indoor use, I use these convenient stakes throughout my entire rooftop container garden.

Some fertilizer tips:

• Mint needs to be fertilized more than once.
• If you are using Jobe’s stakes, they should be replaced monthly.
• If you are using a different fertilizer, check the frequency and put a remainder in a calendar.

Trim the Buds

A mint plant will begin growing buds once it gets tall enough. You’ll want to trim them off. It will help it grow fuller and thicker, producing more valuable leaves for drinks or cooking.

Enjoy

That is about all you’ll need to know. Pick up your mint at a local hardware store or nursery today.