Back
Herb
Mint
Mentha spp.
A vigorous perennial herb for tea, salads and cooking that spreads quickly by runners. Grow it in a pot (or a pot sunk in the ground) to stop it taking over beds. It likes moisture and some afternoon shade in Adelaide summers.
- SunFull sun or part shade
- Spacing40 cm apart
- First pick9–13 weeks
- FrostHandles light frost
- HeatCopes with some heat
When to plant where you live
Checking your area…
Add mint to my gardenVarieties (4)
- Chocolate or apple mintNovelty flavours; good for desserts and drinks
- PeppermintStronger, cooler flavour; best for tea
- Spearmint (Common mint)The classic kitchen mint for sauces and drinks
- Vietnamese mintA different plant (Persicaria odorata) with spicy flavour; loves moist shade
Neighbours
Grows well with
From seed to plate
Plant
40 cm apart. Full sun or part shade.
Water
Keep moist.
Feed
Light feed.
Pick, from about 9 weeks
Pick any time.
Good to know
- Cut back hard in late summer for fresh leafy regrowth
- Keep pots out of the hottest afternoon sun and water often
- Grow different mints in separate pots so they don't blend
Common problems
- Mint rust (orange spots)cut plants to the ground, remove debris; regrowth is usually clean
- Spreading everywheregrow in pots; check for runners escaping drainage holes
- Woody, tired clumpsdivide and repot every 1 to 2 years
If you use a garden chemical, follow the label exactly. Try organic options first, and ask the community or Plant Doctor if you're unsure.
Safety: ASPCA lists mint as toxic to dogs, cats and horses; vomiting and diarrhoea after large amounts.
Where this information comes from
- Landscape SA: Declared plants of South Australia (illustrated guide, partial list) - genus not listed (declared weed, medium confidence, checked 27 Oct 2026)
- ABC Gardening Australia fact sheets (growing, low confidence)
- Gardenate: Growing Mint (comparison) (growing, medium confidence, checked 27 Oct 2026)
- Sustainable Gardening Australia: planting guides (sowing window, low confidence)
- Poisons information centre plant guidance (Australia) (toxicity, low confidence)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Mint (toxic to dogs, cats, horses; GI upset) (toxicity, high confidence, checked 27 Oct 2026)
Reviewed by AI cross-check (Claude), not a horticulturist on 27 Oct 2026. Version 2.