Also known as Mint · 161 saves
Mentha
Mentha, the genus most gardeners know as mint. We track 8 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 6 most-saved Mentha varieties
Browse all 8 Mentha varieties →
4 species of Mentha
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Mentha in Sow
Save the Mentha you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Mentha
Whats common across all Mentha varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 8 most-grown of them.
The Mentha year
- HarvestApril–September63% of varieties
Harvest leaves frequently, cutting stems just above a leaf node
- DivideMarch, April and September63% of varieties
Divide every 2-3 years to control spread and rejuvenate the patch
- PruneMay and July50% of varieties
Cut back hard after flowering to prevent self-seeding and rejuvenate foliage
- PlantMarch–May50% of varieties
Plant in containers or use root barriers to prevent aggressive spread
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth
- Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot
- Provide partial sun for healthy foliage growth 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Plant it loose in a border ❌
- Refrain from using chemical pesticides unnecessarily
- Avoid overwatering to prevent fungal issues ❌
What goes wrong with Mentha
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaves | Spray with strong jet of water or use horticultural oil |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and spray with miticide or neem oil |
| Mint rust | Orange pustules on leaf undersides with distorted shoots | Remove and destroy affected growth; do not compost it, and improve air movement |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply sulfur fungicide |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency |
Making more Mentha
Division
- Dig up mature clump in early spring.
- Separate into smaller sections with roots attached.
- Replant immediately into prepared soil.
Stem cuttings
- Cut 4-inch healthy stems in spring.
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist potting mix and keep humid for 2 weeks.
Mentha questions
How many types of Mentha are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 8 distinct Mentha varieties. The most popular — ranked by 161 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Mentha grow in?
Across its varieties, Mentha covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Mentha bloom?
Most Mentha varieties bloom in mid-summer, late summer, late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Mentha should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.