Peppermint care guide
Mentha × piperita
Also known as: Peppermint, Pepper mint
Pets and children
Caution advised
Contains menthol and other essential oils that can cause vomiting or diarrhea in dogs and cats that eat much of it; keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if eaten.
How often to water Peppermint
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- Dislikes drying out: water thoroughly once the topsoil is dry, as a guide, checking every morning in midsummer when pots dry quickly.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 3 days
- Drying slows down, so water once the topsoil is dry, as a guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 7 days
- With the top died back and the plant resting, water sparingly a few days after the soil dries, as a guide.
Light and placement for Peppermint
Generally likes about half a day of sun and also does well in bright, airy part shade as a guide; direct midsummer sun scorches the leaves, so afternoon shade suits it.
Overwintering Peppermint
Overwintering guide: −10°C (14°F) or above
Hardy and generally overwintered outdoors, as a guide: the stems die back and it survives as underground runners that shoot in spring, so keep the pot under the eaves and not fully dry.
Fertilizing and repotting Peppermint
Fertilizer
In spring and fall, diluted liquid fertilizer about once or twice a month or a little slow-release fertilizer, as a guide; too much weakens the aroma, and none in midsummer or winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Peppermint
- Runners quickly fill the pot with roots and the plant declines.
- Midsummer sun and dry soil scorch the leaves.
- In stagnant air, powdery mildew or rust appears in the rainy season.
Tips for growing Peppermint
- A hybrid that sets little viable seed, so propagate by cuttings or division.
- The leaves are most fragrant just before flowering, so harvest when buds appear.
- When the aroma fades, root cuttings of young shoots to renew the plant.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
