Discover the art of propagating mint plants from cuttings, a simple and efficient method to multiply your favorite varieties. This guide, inspired by a Yoderbuilt Greenhouse blog post where they propagate tomatoes from cuttings. This article will walk you through the process we’ve been successfully implementing to grow plants from cuttings in our greenhouse since 2021.
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Why Grow Plants from Cuttings?
Growing mint from cuttings offers several advantages. It speeds up the growth process, allowing for earlier blooming or harvesting. It also maximizes greenhouse space and reduces the cost of purchasing new seeds or plants every season.
And I hate to admit it, but I’ve made mistakes with growing mint. I’ve overwatered, I’ve under watered. I’ve neglected pruning or pinching it back and it grown lanky and straggly. And then there was the time I stuck a mint plant in a container that had green onions in it. That was an interesting flavor.
When to Take Cuttings from Mint plants?
The ideal time for taking mint cuttings is when pruning, like we did with our peppermint plant on November 28, 2023. You can also take cuttings in the spring or summer. Regular pruning not only keeps plants manageable but also provides healthy cuttings for propagation.
Tools Needed for Rooting Cuttings
To start rooting mint cuttings, you’ll need:
- Sterilized pruning shears or scissors
- Rubbing alcohol for sterilization.
- Rooting Hormone (optional)
- A glass or mason jar
- A sunny window or grow lights
How to Take Cuttings From Plants
Time needed: 7 days and 10 hours
How to propagate mint cuttings from cuttings
- Clean your pruning shears or scissors
Sterilize your cutting tools Use a cotton pad or swab and rubbing alcohol to sterilize the blades of your scissors or pruning shears.
- Take a cutting from the plant that is 4-6 inches long.
Choose a healthy mint sprig, cutting just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves from the stem. These leaf nodes are expose potential areas where roots will grow. You can dip the cuttings in rooting hormone if you like. I usually do not when rooting in water.
- Place the cuttings in a plastic cup, glass or mason jar filled with water.
Put enough water in the cup or jar to cover the potential root sites.
- Check the cutting for roots
Change the water every 2 to 3 days and check the cutting for roots.
- This cutting has grown roots.
- Pot your rooted mint sprig.
We potted these two mint cuttings in 4 inch pots filled with potting soil. Water the soil to keep it moist. These pots are with others under grow lights in the greenhouse.
Additional Notes:
- The time listed above indicates mint may root in approximately 7 days, the mint sprigs in the photos above actually rooted in 5-6 days.
- You may need to transplant your mint as it will grow quickly.
- Mint is notorious for being invasive, so be thoughtful about where you plant it. I prefer to keep my mint plants in pots.
| Mint Plant Care Reference Card | |
| Botanical Name | Mentha spp. |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial herb |
| Size | Typically 1 to 2 feet tall and spreading |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type | Rich, moist, well-drained soil |
| Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0) |
| Bloom Time | Summer; flowers are insignificant |
| Hardiness Zones | 3 to 8 |
| Native Area | Europe, Asia, Africa |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to humans and pets |
Growing Mint from Cuttings – Conclusion
We hope this guide inspires you to try propagating mint plants from cuttings. This method not only saves money and space but also gives you an early start in the growing season or plants to share with friends. With patience and care, you’ll enjoy thriving mint from your very own propagated plants.
