GardenHow to grow mint (pudina)
पुदीना. When to sow it in each part of India, how deep, how far apart, what size of pot, and what to watch for.
When to sow
North and central plainsFebruary and March, July and August
South and coastal IndiaJanuary and February, June to November
HillsMarch to May
Green months are the usual sowing or planting time. Dates shift by a few weeks from place to place.
How to sow and grow
- Method
- Plant rooted stems. Stems of market mint root in a glass of water in about a week.
- Depth
- Lay the rooted stems 2 cm deep
- Spacing
- 15 cm apart
- In a pot
- A wide, shallow pot of its own, 15 to 20 cm deep
- Sprouts in
- New shoots in 7 to 10 days
- Harvest
- Start picking after 4 to 6 weeks
- Sun
- Light shade is fine; 3 to 4 hours of sun are enough
Tips from the garden
- Keep mint in its own pot. Its runners take over any bed they share.
- Cut often, just above a pair of leaves. Regular cutting keeps it bushy and tender.
- Mint likes moisture and tolerates half shade, which makes it a good plant for a kitchen windowsill.
What can go wrong
After a year the pot fills with roots and the leaves get small. Tip it out, divide the clump and replant a few pieces in fresh soil.
Sown around the same time
TomatoBrinjalCapsicumOkra (bhindi)Bottle gourd (lauki)Bitter gourd (karela)Ridge gourd (tori)Cucumber
New to growing from seed? Read how to sow seeds and the balcony and terrace garden guide.
Questions people ask
When is mint sown in north India?
In the plains of north and central India, the usual sowing or planting months for mint are February and March, July and August.
How long does mint take to grow?
Start picking after 4 to 6 weeks.
Can mint be grown in a pot?
Yes. A wide, shallow pot of its own, 15 to 20 cm deep.