We’ll go over everything you need to know about starting mint from cuttings in today’s lesson.
Fresh, flavorful mint sprigs are produced by a perennial mint plant with sturdy woody stems. Mint is a common ingredient in many dishes, and you’ve probably used it in a recipe before.
Almost anywhere in the world, including the United States, can grow mint, as can many other herbs. In addition to its beautiful mint green color, mint is a wonderful addition to any herb garden because it provides a constant supply of fresh mint in your kitchen!
However, where do you begin?
Growing mint from cuttings is an interesting alternative to starting from seed and doesn’t even necessitate the possession of a mint plant!
IS IT POSSIBLE TO GROW MINT FROM CUTS?
It is possible to grow mint cuttings or to propagate mint. To propagate a plant, you divide it, take cuttings or some other method to produce a new plant that is genetically identical to the original.
There are some plants that are more difficult to grow than others, but with mint, you can grow your own little mint bush with a little perseverance and proper plant care!
The subject of mint cuttings will be covered today!
Cuttings can be used to Grow Mint
Mint cuttings can be grown using the following:
- As long as the pot or growing area has good drainage, you’ll be fine.
- Water
- Hormone that promotes root growth (optional)
Growing mint from cuttings is a time-consuming process, so let’s get started with the general steps. It could take up to a year for you to be able to harvest and eat mint from your new plant.
AN INTRODUCTORY GUIDE TO PROPAGATION OF MINT
Everything you need to know about growing mint from cuttings is laid out here.
1. Get Your Hands on Some Mint!
Of course, you’ll need mint cuttings to get the ball rolling.
Cutting off some healthy, non-flowering sprigs of mint is all you need if you are growing your own. No need to remove the entire branch — sprigs between 4 and 6 inches long will do just fine! Any time during the growing season is fine, but the best time is when the stems are becoming slightly woody at the end and it is getting colder.
Fresh mint can be purchased at most supermarkets and farmers’ markets if you don’t already grow it yourself or know of anyone who would be willing to share. Fresh mint sprigs purchased at the store should work just as well, if not better, than those plucked directly from the plant.
In other words, when should you plant your seeds? The answer depends on where you are growing, but early fall is generally best.
So your cutting will be more stable for propagation because of the plants’ thicker stems (which are even woody at the base).
2. Two inches from the bottom cut the Mint sprig’s leaves off
Once you have a mint sprig, remove the lower portion of the stem’s leaves — you’ll need about 2 inches of bare stem for future roots!
The sprig’s tip should be trimmed at a 45-degree angle if you plan to propagate it immediately. This will ensure that the middle of the sprig gets some fresh air.
You can keep the sprigs in the fridge, in a plastic bag, until you’re ready to propagate.
3. Dip the stem in a growth hormone (optional)
You can dip the sprig’s bare stem in a rooting hormone at this point.
A growth hormone is optional when it comes to mints, which you’ll likely be consuming in the near future. ‘ It may be necessary for stronger roots in some cases, but it isn’t always necessary.
You can buy growth hormone in powder or gel form at your local garden center if you want to speed up the growth of your plant’s root system. In order to apply the growth hormone, simply dip your stem into some water.
You should keep in mind that rooting hormones (whether in powder or gel form) require that you wait a full year before eating any of the plants before using them.
4. FORM THE ROOT STRUCTURE NOW
The stem can be planted in a potting soil mix to ensure good drainage if you choose to start the plant with growth hormone. Planting them in a small pack or pot is preferable at this stage because they are only small sprigs. This will make it possible for you to move the plant if you so desire.
Root structure should be established before planting in the soil if growth hormones are not being used. Using a glass of water, submerge your mint plant’s 2″ bare stem completely. Roots should begin to emerge from the stem within a few weeks!
The plant is ready to be planted in potting soil once it has developed a few mature roots. Keep the stem of the sprig in good contact with the soil so that the root system can grow into the soil.
When the soil temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, do this.. Seeds may not germinate in the early stages, and planting too late may result in a plant unable to thrive in the heat of summer (mint is a cooler weather-loving herb).
5. FOR A PLANT TO GROW, YOU MUST WAIT ABOUT 6-8 WEEKS
Propagating at different times of the year can affect how long it takes to root and grow. In most cases, you’ll begin to see signs of growth after 6-8 weeks of treatment.
Keep your mint plant in a well-ventilated area that is warm and moist. This climate is ideal for growing plants in a greenhouse. If not, you can simply cover the plant and container with a plastic bag to achieve the same effect. If you live in an area with a mild climate, you may be able to grow the plant outside.
After a few weeks, you may notice yellowing leaves, which is a sign of transplant shock (plants, like people, dislike sudden change). Trim off the yellow leaves and get ready for more growth in this case.
6. It’s time to take care of your newly planted mint!
It’s time to start treating your plant like any other young plant you would buy from a greenhouse or growing center now that it has been started. It is imperative that you provide your mint plant with adequate sunlight, water (a trickle of water on the soil’s surface is ideal! ), and attention.
Mint will eventually outgrow its container, allowing you to plant it in the ground and enjoy mint for many years to come!
Cuttings of mint can be used to grow the plant.
To summarize, growing mint from cuttings is an excellent experiment! These are the steps you can take to propagate your mint:
- Obtain a supply of mint leaves (either from an existing plant or from your grocery store)
- Each stem’s bottom 2″ of leaves should be trimmed off.
- Plant in potting soil after dipping stem in growth hormone OR
- The stem should be placed in a glass of water for a few weeks before planting.
- For six to eight weeks, place the stem and pot in a warm, humid place and water as needed.
- Take care of your new mint plant!
