Even if you don't have your own garden, you can harvest home-grown peppermint. The herb also grows well in pots on balconies and terraces - and even for several years. Tips for caring for peppermint in a pot.
How do I care for peppermint in a pot?
Peppermint in a pot requires a larger container with drainage holes, nutrient-rich potting soil, regular watering without waterlogging, organic fertilizer, a bright, partially shaded location and winter protection. With good care, the aroma of peppermint is retained.
This is what you need for pot cultivation
- Larger pot or balcony box
- Sufficiently large drainage holes
- Nutritious potting soil
- Bright, partially shaded location
The right planter
The planter should not be too small as peppermint likes to spread. The larger the bucket, the longer you can keep the herb in it.
Peppermint does not tolerate waterlogging. Make sure that the planter has sufficiently large drainage holes so that the irrigation water can drain away.
The material of the vessel doesn't play a big role. You can plant peppermint in clay pot or plastic pot.
Fill in good potting soil
Peppermint likes loose, nutritious and well-drained soil. Fill in good potting soil (€10.00 at Amazon).
Water the peppermint regularly, but prevent the water from pooling in the box. The roots then rot and mildew forms on the leaves.
The longer the soil is in the pot, the more frequently you have to fertilize. Only use organic fertilizers such as nettle manure or horn shavings. In spring you should also replace part of the soil so that the peppermint receives enough nutrients.
Peppermint likes it bright but not sunny
As in the garden, peppermint does not tolerate direct sunlight. When kept in a pot, a partially shaded location is even more important, as the soil heats up much faster here. This causes the essential oil to burn and the leaves have little aroma.
Provide wind protection. The constant draft causes the pot to cool down and the plant produces fewer essential oils.
Peppermint is hardy, but winter protection is advisable when caring for it in a pot. Place the pot on an insulating surface, cover it with insulating material and cover the plant with some leaves or pine branches.
Tips & Tricks
Peppermint tends to spread widely in the garden. Simply plant them in a bottomless pot and sink it into the desired location. Peppermint thrives in it without its runners running all over the garden.
