Terms of UseHow to Buy Mint Plants Explore this Article parts 1 Finding Places to Buy or Acquire Mint 2 Choosing a Plant 3 Keeping Your Mint Healthy Other Sections Expert Q&A Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Reviewed by Ben Barkan
Last Updated: December 10, 2025 References
X
This article was reviewed by Ben Barkan. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 62,946 times.
Mint is a great plant to have around, both for its scent and flavor. It's also very hardy, making it a good choice for beginners. It is a decorative plant that provides attractive foliage, and it can be grown and maintained in full sun and partial shade. Buy mint plants that are healthy and fragrant and sold by reputable nurseries and retailers.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Finding Places to Buy or Acquire Mint
1 Pick a local nursery for plants. Often, the best sources for plants are well-respected local nurseries. These nurseries will often have experts who can answer any questions you have. Ask around to find the best nurseries in your area.
Home improvement stores and other big chains often focus on just providing the cheapest price. Sometimes their quality can be hit-or-miss.[1]XResearch source
2 Check online or mail-order catalogs. Another good option is ordering a mint plant through the mail. You can still get high-quality plants, and you'll have a larger selection of varieties. Advertisement
3 Buy mint at a farmer's market or grocery store. Mint is easy to grow from a cutting even without roots. When you purchase mint, leave a cutting in a glass of water. Make sure it gets some sun, and it will grow roots. You can then plant it.[2]XResearch source
4 Ask a friend for a root cutting. Mint grows well from a cutting, so if you know someone who has a mint plant, you can simply ask for one. Most gardeners are more than happy to part with a cutting, as mint needs to be thinned often. Plant root cuttings in the soil, just as you would a regular plant.[3]XResearch source Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:
Choosing a Plant
1 Decide on a variety. You have many options when it comes to mint varieties. Some unusual varieties include ginger mint, chocolate mint, and apple mint. Choose what you want based on the flavor or look you desire.[4]X Trustworthy Source Royal Horticultural SocietyLeading gardening charity in the U.K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plants Go to source
Take a sniff of each plant to see which is most appealing to you.
2 Look for plants that are bright green and sturdy. A healthy plant will have new growth that is bright green, full, and leafy. The mint should look and feel sturdy.
3 Avoid plants with yellow or orange spots and blisters (rust). Most reputable dealers should weed plants with rust out. However, you should still be on the lookout. Rust will show up as blisters on the leaves, as well as black, yellow, and orange spots. The stems may might not look as green as they should, and they may be deformed.[5]X Trustworthy Source Royal Horticultural SocietyLeading gardening charity in the U.K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plants Go to source
4 Look for a bug-free plant. You don't want to buy a plant that's infested with pests, as they could kill your plant. Mint is susceptible to spider mites, flea beetles, and root weevils, to name a few. Check the leaves, stem, and soil for signs of an infestation.[6]XResearch source
There may be an infestation if you run your hand over the plant and then small flying insects appear.
Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:
Keeping Your Mint Healthy
1 Buy a pot for your mint plant. You can plant mint in the ground, but it is very aggressive. It can take over other parts of your garden. A pot helps keep the mint contained. However, make sure you buy a pot that gives your mint room to grow.[7]XResearch source
You only need a single plant in your pot, as it will spread out a good deal.[8]XResearch source
2 Give it full sun or partial shade. When choosing a location, pick one with the most sun you can find. Of course, you'll need to make sure the soil doesn't dry out. However, partial shade is also suitable for growing mint.[9]XResearch source
3 Provide a slightly acidic to neutral soil. When choosing a potting soil, look for one that has pH between 6 and 7, which mint likes best. However, mint is not too particular, and it will grow in many soils. Also, add a bit of mulch on top, which will help create a moist soil that mint loves.[10]XResearch source
4 Lay a thin layer of fertilizer on top of the mint's soil every few weeks. Get a water-soluble all-purpose fertilizer. Sprinkle a thin layer of it on top of the soil every few weeks to help with the plants' growth and overall health.[11]XResearch source
Don't fertilize mint plants that are kept inside, or else they may lose their flavor.
5 Regularly pull off flower buds during the summer. Pinch off the small purple, pink, and/or white flower buds on the mint plants as you notice them. This will help to elongate the harvesting season.[12]XResearch source
6 Harvest the mint all the way down to the first or second layer of leaves. Cut or pick the leaves off and leave a few that are on the bottom 1-2 (2.5-5 cm) inches of the plant. This will allow any dead leaves to be removed and will promote growth.[13]XResearch source
Younger mint leaves are more flavorful.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question Where can you buy a mint plant? Maggie Moran Home & Garden Specialist Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania. Maggie Moran Home & Garden Specialist Expert Answer You can buy mint plants at Lowe's, Home Depot, and any of the major garden stores. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
Question Do mint plants keep mosquitoes away? Maggie Moran Home & Garden Specialist Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania. Maggie Moran Home & Garden Specialist Expert Answer Yes, mint plants contain a type of chemical property that is a natural mosquito repellant. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question How often does a mint plant need to be watered? Maggie Moran Home & Garden Specialist Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania. Maggie Moran Home & Garden Specialist Expert Answer You need to water a mint plant often enough to keep the top of the soil moist, so it depends on the soil and climate. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Warnings
Buying mint seeds instead of plants that are already producing leaves will require more time and extra work. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement
You Might Also Like
How toTipHow toDress Modestly for a Mormon Church (for Females)How toBecome Taller NaturallyHow toPlan a Family ReunionHow toAsk Customers for FeedbackHow toCarve a Bone in HamHow toIronHow toCarve a Spiral HamHow toImprove Your Alexa RankingHow toSlim Your FaceHow toFix Your Whole LifeHow toMake a White RussianHow toInsert a Rectal SuppositoryHow toAsk the Right Questions Advertisement
Reviewed by: Ben Barkan Garden & Landscape Designer This article was reviewed by Ben Barkan. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This article has been viewed 62,946 times. 13 votes - 100% Co-authors: 10Updated: December 10, 2025 Views: 62,946
Print
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 62,946 times.
Reader Success Stories
Florence Beath
May 6, 2017
"I learned how to plant peppermint and how to keep it healthy!"
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Reviewed by: Ben Barkan Garden & Landscape Designer Co-authors: 10Updated: December 10, 2025 Views: 62,946100% of readers found this article helpful. 13 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote
Florence Beath
May 6, 2017
"I learned how to plant peppermint and how to keep it healthy!"
You Might Also Like
How toTipHow toDress Modestly for a Mormon Church (for Females)How toBecome Taller NaturallyHow toPlan a Family Reunion wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
How toMake a White Russian 
Advertisement 
Reviewed by: Ben Barkan Garden & Landscape Designer This article was reviewed by Ben Barkan. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This article has been viewed 62,946 times. 13 votes - 100% Co-authors: 10 Updated: December 10, 2025 Views: 62,946 
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 
498 
1 Pick a local nursery for plants. Often, the best sources for plants are well-respected local nurseries. These nurseries will often have experts who can answer any questions you have. Ask around to find the best nurseries in your area. 
2 Check online or mail-order catalogs. Another good option is ordering a mint plant through the mail. You can still get high-quality plants, and you'll have a larger selection of varieties. Advertisement 
3 Buy mint at a farmer's market or grocery store. Mint is easy to grow from a cutting even without roots. When you purchase mint, leave a cutting in a glass of water. Make sure it gets some sun, and it will grow roots. You can then plant it.[2] 
4 Ask a friend for a root cutting. Mint grows well from a cutting, so if you know someone who has a mint plant, you can simply ask for one. Most gardeners are more than happy to part with a cutting, as mint needs to be thinned often. Plant root cuttings in the soil, just as you would a regular plant.[3] Advertisement 
1 Decide on a variety. You have many options when it comes to mint varieties. Some unusual varieties include ginger mint, chocolate mint, and apple mint. Choose what you want based on the flavor or look you desire.[4] 
2 Look for plants that are bright green and sturdy. A healthy plant will have new growth that is bright green, full, and leafy. The mint should look and feel sturdy. 
3 Avoid plants with yellow or orange spots and blisters (rust). Most reputable dealers should weed plants with rust out. However, you should still be on the lookout. Rust will show up as blisters on the leaves, as well as black, yellow, and orange spots. The stems may might not look as green as they should, and they may be deformed.[5] 
4 Look for a bug-free plant. You don't want to buy a plant that's infested with pests, as they could kill your plant. Mint is susceptible to spider mites, flea beetles, and root weevils, to name a few. Check the leaves, stem, and soil for signs of an infestation.[6] 
1 Buy a pot for your mint plant. You can plant mint in the ground, but it is very aggressive. It can take over other parts of your garden. A pot helps keep the mint contained. However, make sure you buy a pot that gives your mint room to grow.[7] 
2 Give it full sun or partial shade. When choosing a location, pick one with the most sun you can find. Of course, you'll need to make sure the soil doesn't dry out. However, partial shade is also suitable for growing mint.[9] 
3 Provide a slightly acidic to neutral soil. When choosing a potting soil, look for one that has pH between 6 and 7, which mint likes best. However, mint is not too particular, and it will grow in many soils. Also, add a bit of mulch on top, which will help create a moist soil that mint loves.[10] 
Maggie Moran Home & Garden Specialist Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania. 
Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.