Entire healthy mature mint plant in a real garden bed, showing growth habit and scale.Primary identification image. 30–60 cm tall, 60–200 cm wide at maturity.
4. FloweringMauve spikes in summer; bees and hoverflies.
5. Cut backCut to the ground in autumn; divide yearly.
Growth stages are ordered chronologically; timing varies with cultivar, temperature, light and care.
Planting calendar for Portland, Oregon
transplant 2 weeks before to 4 weeks after last frost; 60–90 days to maturity from planting. Windows are derived from the region's average frost dates (last Apr 5, first Nov 5) and are estimates until you confirm your own dates in the calendar.
Plant
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
MintMentha spicata / M. × piperita
Text version of the planting timeline
Plant
Start indoors
Direct sow
Autumn sow
Transplant
Tend
Harvest
Mint
—
—
—
Mar 22–May 3 (estimate)
May 3–May 21 (estimate)
May 21–Feb 27 (estimate)
Start indoorsDirect sowTransplantTendHarvestStriped bars are regional estimates; solid bars are dates you confirmed.
Transplant outdoors: Mar 22 – May 3
Tend and monitor: May 3 – May 21
Harvest: May 21 – Feb 27
Spacing & support
In-row 45–45 cm; rows 60–60 cm. Planner footprint: 2 cells of 30 cm.
Side-profile diagram of mature mint: canopy 30–60 cm tall, 60–200 cm wide, shallow root zone, support and harvest-access envelope.
Soil & water
Soil
Moist, fertile soil
pH
6–7
Fertility
moderate
Water
Keep moist; wilts quickly in pots.
Frost
very hardy; tolerates frost
Support & training
No support structure needed.
Mint mid-season before harvest, showing branching, vining, rosette or upright habit and space occupied.
Harvest signs
Stems 10 cm or longer
Cut whole stems to the base to encourage fresh growth
Mint at harvest readiness, showing the visual cues: stems 10 cm or longer; cut whole stems to the base to encourage fresh growth.
Mint is planted from divisions or rooted cuttings in spring and grows 30–60 cm tall with runners that travel a metre or more a season. The only reliable way to keep it in bounds is a container, either free-standing or sunk into the bed with the rim above the soil.
Mint planting material (crown, set, clove, slip or tuber) beside a ruler or coin for scale.
Mint seedling at cotyledon and first-true-leaf stage, in soil, distinguishable from common weeds.
Mint mid-season before harvest, showing branching, vining, rosette or upright habit and space occupied.
Mint tolerates part shade and wants more water than other herbs. Its summer flowers are visited by bees and hoverflies. Traditional charts credit mint with repelling cabbage pests and ants; no controlled evidence was found, and its spreading habit makes it a poor bed companion regardless.
Two or more mature mint plants with a tape measure showing in-row spacing (45–45 cm).
Mint flower detail or bolting stage.
Immature leaves of mint developing on the plant.
Edible parts and safety
Edible: leaves, flowers.
Hands or tool harvesting mint correctly (cut, pull, twist or pick) without damaging the plant.
Pests and diseases
Common pests: aphids, mint beetle. Common diseases: mint rust. These vary by region; a photograph is an example, not a diagnosis. See the pest and disease guides and your local extension service.
aphids on mint, with a wider damage-context view.
Timeline
Season timeline for mint: sowing, transplanting, flowering, harvest and bed occupancy aligned to frost dates.Text alternative: Transplant outdoors Mar 22–May 3; Tend and monitor May 3–May 21; Harvest May 21–Feb 27.
We synthesize peer-reviewed research, university extension publications, and trusted horticulture resources. Our evidence levels help you understand how strong the science is behind the guidance.
Evidence tiers
Supported evidenceConsistent results from multiple robust studies
Traditional claimHistorical use reported, limited scientific support
Context dependentMixed or variable results across conditions
No verified relationshipNo reliable evidence identified
Spacing & support
Soil & water
Support & training
Harvest signs
Common problems
Container growing
Companion overview
Crop rotation
Sources, reviewer & update
