I LOVE mint tea. During one of the many diets I have tried over the years, vanilla mint tea was one of my favorite desserts! If you’ve ever wanted to have fresh mint on hand year round, learning how to grow mint indoors is imperative!
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Benefits and uses of growing mint indoors
Mint is a tasty herb, and it is used fresh, dried, and as an extract in all sorts of wonderful recipes. It’s also a commonly used medicinal plant, known for its amazing benefits. It also keeps bugs like ants and flies at bay. Here at Mom Jeans we also love the benefits to our hair and skin. Some of the benefits and uses of mint are listed below.
Weight loss
Mint is a stimulant that contributes to the stimulation of digestive enzymes. Nutrients from food are consumed by these digestive enzymes, but they also consume fat and convert it into useful energy. Your metabolism increases as the body can absorb nutrients properly. This will lead to weight loss.
Skin Care
It’s perfect for pimples to clear out, itchy skin to soothe, and bugs to repel. As a gentle astringent agent that tends to naturally tone the skin, mint leaves are known for their soothing properties. Mint helps in removing dead skin, eliminating the dust from the pores, and revamping the skin to a healthier and well-hydrated tone. It helps provide moisture to the skin by tightening skin pores.
Mint as a Digestive Aid
By calming the smooth muscles in the colon, it helps relieve discomfort encountered during bowel movements. It also tends to minimize abdominal bloating, which is a typical symptom of digestion. Especially peppermint relieves IBS pain and can alleviate nausea.
Health Benefits
Mint has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agents that can help to reduce inflammation. Daily use is suggested for someone who suffers from asthma since mint helps clear the respiratory tract due to its anti-bacterial properties. Since it prevents unhealthy bacterial growth inside the mouth, it is perfect for your oral health.
Anti-Stress
The soothing mint fragrance is also a simple and effective cure for headaches and nausea. It is a naturally calming product that by merely rubbing mint oil on your forehead and nose will relieve headaches. As it relaxes your body and calms your mind, smelling mint also makes you feel less anxious and depressed.
Different Types of Mint
There are several types of mint, all with common growing patterns, such as peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint, and apple mint. The easiest way of growing mint is potentially in a pot or a container. It will guarantee that it will remain where you want it to be. Here is a quick list of the many types of mint varieties available.
- Peppermint
- Spearmint
- Chocolate Mint
- Apple mint
- Pineapple mint
- Horsemint
- Ginger mint
- Catmint
- Lavender mint
- Grapefruit mint
- Calamint
- Orange mint
- Pennyroyal
- Red Raripila mint
- Basil mint
- Chewing gum mint
- Licorice mint
- Corn mint
Different Ways to Grow Mint Indoors
Most of the mint plants are annual and respond well to full-sun or partially-shaded growing conditions. They love to remain damp and prefer well-drained soil. A mint family is a group of hardy annual plants distributed in North America. Many varieties of mint may be used as a ground cover, as an essential cooking herb, and as a medicine. Growing mint indoors is a good way to keep things smelling summery and fresh. Place potted mint plants on a window with a decent amount of direct sunshine.
- Seed: Growing mint plants from seeds needs preparation in advance. Take a well-draining dirt container and evenly spread 2-3 seeds every few inches. When the first few leaves surface, transplant them into a large container and move them outside.
- Cutting: Place a tall cutting off a good mint plant directly into the soil or sprout cuttings in a glass of water until the roots have grown. Then move it to the soil in a well-drained container or garden bed. When the cuttings are completely rooted, be sure to add fresh water if required. In general, rooting can occur in 3-4 weeks, although it will take longer for some plants.
Frequently asked questions about growing mint indoors
Ready to grow mint indoors but still have a few lingering questions? Here I have answered many of the most commonly asked questions about growing mint indoors.
How much sunlight does a mint plant need?
Mints are robust perennials that thrive in a container with proper drainage and soil. Partial shade is favored by mint plants. Mint is one of the few culinary herbs that grow well in shade. There are some types of mint that require direct sunlight, other than that they usually grow in shady areas.
Can I grow mint indoors all year long?
Mint plants are easy to grow. To prevent the mint roots from encircling themselves and choking a plant, one of the most essential details is to pick a container with a large surface. If the stems are not destroyed by frost, it will grow new foliage all year long, making it one of the best herbs to cultivate indoors.
Is it easy to grow mint indoors?
Mint is very easy to grow indoors as long as you give adequate light and consistent moisture to the plant. This remarkably beautiful houseplant is one of the simplest herbs to cultivate, however, its roots are highly invasive. They grow exponentially, growing new leaves and new plants as they go.
How much water does an indoor mint plant need?
Constantly saturated soil with sufficient drainage is one thing mint requires for healthy growth. Mint plants like water, but they don’t tolerate damp wet soil. If you live in a very dry environment, water the mint at least every 2-3 days or more. To ensure the soil is moist, check the soil with your finger. Upon touching if the soil feels dry them water your mint immediately.
How do I make my mint plant bushy?
Here are few tips to make your mint look full and bushy. The plant should be well watered. When it starts putting on new life, fertilize your mint plant annually. Before they open cut or pinch off any flower buds that you see. Mint has invasive characteristics and can take hold of your garden easily. To stop the unwelcome spread of the herb, plant your mint in pots or a bed surrounded by a root barrier.