If youve tried growing a pot of supermarket mint, you might have discovered that it usually looks sad and dies after a few weeks. (At least, that is what happened to my first attempts!). But did you know that there is a super easy way to make supermarket mint grow, flourish and last for years? Simply move it into a bigger pot with some good quality compost / growing media. A five litre (one gallon) bucket size is ideal to grow a big healthy mint plant. A one or two litre (quarter or half gallon) pot will also work. This is a great project if you are starting to grow. All you need is a bucket, bag of compost and a supermarket mint plant. Watch how to do this in this short three minute film – that also showcases a community growing project Vertical Veg is involved in.
Moving mint to a bigger pot beautifully illustrates a general rule of container growing: the bigger the pot, the bigger the crop.
Mint is an incredibly useful herb. Its refreshing flavor and fragrance make it a versatile addition to many recipes, beverages, and natural home products But sometimes, even a hardy plant like mint can take a turn for the worse and appear dead or dying. Knowing how to diagnose a struggling mint plant is key to either saving it or starting over if needed.
Signs Your Mint May Be Dead
There are a few clear indicators that your mint plant has expired and is no longer coming back:
- All stems and leaves are dried out and brittle
- Mint stems snap easily when bent
- Leaves are shriveled and brown
- No new green growth or shoots are visible
- Roots are black, rotting, or hollow
- Strong foul odor emanating from plant
If your mint plant shows these characteristics, it is likely dead and not salvageable. It’s time to remove it and plant a new mint. But other issues can sometimes mimic a dead plant, so further diagnosis is prudent.
Common Reasons Mint Plants Die
What leads to the decline and eventual death of a once vibrant healthy mint plant? Several factors commonly contribute
- Underwatering – Mint needs consistent moisture. Too little water causes leaves to dry out and curl up.
- Overwatering – Excess moisture leads to root rot and fungal diseases.
- Intense sunlight – Mint thrives in partial shade locations. Too much hot sun can burn leaves.
- Freezing temperatures – Cold snaps can damage leaves and sometimes kill the plant.
- Nutrient deficiency – Lack of nitrogen causes yellowing leaves and stunted growth.
- Pests – Spider mites, aphids, whiteflies and other bugs can infest and weaken mint.
- Diseases – Mint rust, verticillium wilt, and other diseases may infect the plant.
- Pot bound roots – Congested, restricted roots unable to spread will choke out the plant.
Take note of any factors that may have impacted your mint to try pinpointing the underlying cause of its demise. This knowledge can help prevent the same issue recurring with a new plant.
Reviving a Stressed Mint Plant
If your mint plant shows signs of stress like wilting, spotty leaves, minimal new growth, or dying sections, it may still be possible to rescue it. Take these revival steps:
- Prune away any dead or diseased foliage back to the healthy parts of the plant.
- Transplant a rootbound mint into a larger pot with fresh, nutrient-rich soil.
- Treat any pests or diseases present with natural organic sprays.
- Move the pot to a shadier area protected from intense direct sun.
- Deep water the plant and let excess drain fully to hydrate the roots.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced organic plant food.
- Trim back damaged leaves and stems to stimulate new growth.
With prompt intervention, you can often save a struggling mint plant and nurse it back to health. But if most of the plant already appears dead, replacement is likely your only option.
Growing a Healthy Mint Plant
Follow these best practices to keep your mint thriving for many seasons:
- Plant in rich soil amended with compost for drainage and nutrients.
- Site in a partially shaded location away from hot afternoon sun.
- Water 1-2 inches per week, checking soil moisture regularly.
- Pinch off flowering stems to encourage leafy growth.
- Divide congested plants every 2-3 years in spring or fall.
- Monitor closely for pests like spider mites or aphids.
- Remove faded leaves and deadhead spent blooms often.
- Fertilize monthly with organic plant food or compost tea.
- Mulch annually to retain moisture and deter weeds.
With attentive care, homegrown mint will reward you with abundant harvests for cooking and other uses. A little effort goes a long way.
Starting Over with a New Mint Plant
If your mint has ultimately passed away, restarting with a fresh plant is simple. Choose from these options:
- Purchase a new plant from your local nursery or garden center.
- Take a cutting from a friend or neighbor’s healthy mint plant to root your own.
- Dig up and divide a vigorous mint clump from your garden.
- Start mint from seed (slower process).
Select a variety like peppermint or spearmint that suits your planned uses. Plant it in a pot with new potting mix and follow the growing tips above.
Place your new mint plant in the vacated spot in your garden previously occupied by the old one. Before long you’ll have a flourishing, flavorful mint ready for harvesting once again.
Don’t let a dead mint plant dishearten you. Armed with knowledge of mint’s care needs and potential problems, you can successfully regrow this versatile, hearty herb. Pay close attention to its health, and intervene at the first signs of decline. Your diligent care will soon be rewarded with vibrant, bountiful mint.
How to use your mint plant
One plant can give you delicious mint to make tea, cocktails, or add to salads, curries and sauces. Or one of these other 49 ways to use mint.
How to keep your mint strong and healthy
Follow the advice in the film and your mint will grow happily for months. Use liquid seaweed or another liquid fertiliser once a month to help it grow strong and healthy. It will then die back over winter and magically reappear in the spring. To keep it flourishing in year two, remove the mint from its pot. Then divide it into two or four and repot it in new compost. You now have extra mint plants for yourself or to give to your friends and neighbours. Do this every year, and one mint plant can last the rest of your life!
How To Restore A Mint Plant
FAQ
Will mint grow back if it dies?
You can pick mint’s young leaves and shoot tips from spring through to autumn. Mint is a herbaceous perennial, so it dies back over winter, then re-sprouts every spring, living for many years. It is very easy to make new plants by taking root cuttings and by division.
How do I bring my mint plant back to life?
To revive a struggling mint plant, start by assessing its condition and trimming any dead or severely damaged stems. Then, ensure it’s getting adequate light (morning sun is ideal) and consistent moisture. Consider using a balanced liquid fertilizer or a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to encourage new growth.
How do I tell if my mint plant is dying?
Mint leaves are turning yellow or brown
The most common reason Mint plants, especially leaves, are yellow or brown is the lack of nutrients. However, there are other possible causes, such as lack of sunlight, excessive waterlogging, overfertilization, or lack of space.
How to make mint alive again?
Place your mint into a glass of fresh water Fill your glass with some water and just pop your freshly trimmed sprigs in. You want to make sure the leaves are hanging out all nice and dry at the top. You definitely don’t want them to be in the water.