Growing Mint in Australia: The Complete Guide
Mint is an easy (can be invasive) perennial herb to grow, needing part –shade sun with regular, doesn't like drying out watering.
Mint is one of the easy (can be invasive) additions to a home garden, and this article walks through everything behind our one-page printable guide in a bit more depth.
Contain the roots
Mint spreads aggressively by runners and will take over a garden bed. Grow it in a large buried pot or a dedicated contained area to keep it in check.
Planting Mint
Method — plant a nursery seedling, or strike a cutting in water — mint roots very easily. Soil — rich, moisture-retentive. Timing — plant any time in mild weather; establishes quickly.
Keeping It Growing Well
Worth paying attention to:
- Keep well watered — mint wilts fast if it dries out.
- Cut back hard periodically to keep growth fresh and bushy.
- Contain the roots in a pot, even if planted in the ground.
- Divide and repot every couple of years to keep it vigorous.
What Can Go Wrong
Keep these points in mind:
- Rust — orange spotting on leaves; remove affected stems, improve airflow.
- Spreading out of bounds — the main risk; keep roots contained.
- Powdery mildew — humid, crowded conditions; thin out growth.
- Aphids — occasional cluster on tips; hose off.
Harvest and Storage
Signs — usable once the plant is established, virtually year-round in mild climates. Method — snip stems as needed; regular picking keeps it bushy. Curing — air-dry or freeze in ice cube trays with water. Storage — fresh in the fridge about a week; dried, airtight for months.
For the condensed, printable version of everything above, head to the main mint guide page.