How to Prune Mint Plant – A Complete Guide?

Pruning your mint plant is both enjoyable and beneficial. Not only does it release a refreshing, minty aroma, but it also improves the quality and vigour of the leaves.

Removing flowers is crucial, as they can diminish the flavour and strength of the mint. Feel free to snip off some sprigs as needed, but if you require a larger harvest, it’s best to wait until the right pruning time.

For a low-growing mint bed, keep the plants around 4 inches tall. This height is ideal for mint in small pots or containers.

If you want your mint to grow taller, let it reach 8-11 inches before pruning. This guide will walk you through the steps to trim your mint plant and promote its growth correctly.

Why Prune Mint Plants?

Pruning isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s essential for maintaining plant health. Proper care, including watering and fertilizing, is vital. Pruning helps to manage plant size, encourages healthy growth, and prevents potential problems with both young and established plants.

How to Prune Mint Plant: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Timing for Pruning

• Wait until your mint plant is fully grown before pruning. Use scissors to cut back about one-third of the length from the tip of each stem. Mint proliferates, so don’t worry—your plant will rebound and grow more robustly.
• If you prefer not to use scissors, you can pinch the stems with your fingers. Although this method takes a bit longer, it’s effective. Pinch off about one-third of the stem length using your fingernails to make a clean cut.
• Finger pruning is convenient for small amounts of mint. However, if preferred, scissors or a sharp knife can also be used.

Step 2: Trimming Mint

• Decide on the size you want for your mint plant. Shape it to fit within the circumference of your pot without letting it spill over the edges.
• Mint proliferates in multiple directions. Trim your plant to maintain a shape that fits well within the container and avoids excessive leaf growth.

Step 3: Enhancing Mint Growth

• After harvesting, store mint properly for daily use. Drying is a standard method, but you can also bake it in the oven, hang it to air dry, or use a dehydrator.
• Another option is to freeze the mint leaves. Wash and pat dry the mint leaves, then remove the stems. Place about two tablespoons of leaves into each section of an ice cube tray, fill with water, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to three months.
• Alternatively, you can vacuum seal the mint in a bag labelled with the current date. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your vacuum sealer.

Step 4: Harvesting Mint

• Harvest mint as needed throughout the year. Avoid harvesting if the plant is struggling due to cold weather or other factors.
• With just a few minutes of work and a bit of patience, you can prune your mint to expand your plant collection for landscaping or culinary uses.

Fertilizing Mint Plants

Mint is a vigorous grower and can quickly take over a garden. To keep it under control, consider growing it in containers or using plastic or metal edging in garden beds. Here’s how to fertilize your mind:

• In spring, start by feeding your mint with a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer. Continue to apply every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, as repeated watering can deplete soil nutrients.
• When planting, mix 2-4 inches of compost into the top 6 inches of soil. Apply a slow-release, 16-16-8 granular fertilizer at the rate of one-half teaspoon per square foot, and work it into the top 6 inches of soil.
• For established mint plants, use a slow-release, 16-16-16 granular fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. Apply about one teaspoon per square foot around the root zone.
• Avoid getting compost on the leaves, and water it well into the soil. To avoid rot, prevent water from touching the stems and leaves. Don’t over-fertilize, as this can result in large plants with less flavorful leaves.

Pruning and proper care can yield a bountiful crop of mint, especially by the second year. After blooming, mint leaves lose some of their essential oils, so consider pruning before the plant flowers. When buds appear, pinch or cut them back to maintain the plant’s health and flavour.