Beginner’s Guide to Propagating Mint: Cuttings, Seeds, (Runners)

I’ll never forget the first time I tried propagating mint. It was a hot summer afternoon, and I was convinced it would be a breeze. I had a small pot of soil, a couple of cuttings, and a big dose of optimism. Needless to say, the mint didn’t make it.

Over the years, though, I’ve learned a few things (through trial and a lot of error) that I’m about to share with you. Whether you’re looking to propagate mint from cuttings, seeds, or even that random mint bunch from the grocery store, I’ve got you covered. Trust me, you don’t want to repeat my mistakes!

Why Propagating Mint Is So Important

Mint is one of those plants that, once it starts, it doesn't stop—especially when you propagate it correctly. Whether you want a constant supply of fresh mint for your kitchen, or you're looking to expand your herb garden without spending a dime, propagation is the way to go. 

Plus, mint is super hardy. It can bounce back from just about anything, making it perfect for beginners or folks like me who might occasionally forget to water their plants (oops!).

So, how exactly do you propagate mint? Let’s dive in!

Propagating Mint from Cuttings

This is where most of us start, and for good reason—it’s easy! You can propagate mint in two main ways: soil and water. Both methods work, but one might be more your style.

Propagate Mint in Soil

This method is for the patient ones among us (or at least, those who like to get their hands dirty).

1. Snip a Healthy Cutting: Take a cutting from a mature mint plant. Make sure it's about 4-6 inches long. It’s best to cut right below a leaf node (where the leaves grow from the stem).
2. Strip the Leaves: Remove the bottom leaves so you have a clean stem. You don’t want any leaves under the soil because they’ll rot.
3. Plant It in Soil: Stick the cutting about 2 inches deep into a pot filled with moist potting soil. Keep the soil damp, but not soggy. Press the soil gently around the stem to provide support. Keep the soil moist (but not waterlogged) and place the pot in indirect sunlight. The key is to keep the cutting humid while it develops roots—so don’t be afraid to mist it every now and then.
4. Wait for Roots: After a couple of weeks (about 2-3 weeks), give it a gentle tug. If there’s resistance, congrats! You’ve got roots.

Propagate Mint in Water

If you're like me and want to see the progress, water propagation might be your jam.

1. Snip a Cutting: Like with soil propagation, you’ll need a 4-6 inch cutting with leaves stripped from the bottom.
2. Place in Water: Put the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring that the stripped portion of the stem is submerged but no leaves are underwater (they’ll rot). Put the glass in a bright location with indirect sunlight. I like to use a clear glass so I can watch the roots grow—there’s something oddly satisfying about it.
3. Change the Water: This is key! Change the water every few days (2-3 days) to keep it fresh and oxygenated. Mint roots will start forming in about 1-2 weeks, but leave it until the roots are a couple of inches long (1-2 inches) before transferring to soil.

Pro Tip: Cover the soil-potted cutting with a plastic bag or create a mini greenhouse to maintain humidity, which will help the cutting root faster.

Where to Cut Mint to Propagate

One of the most common mistakes people make when propagating basil is cutting in the wrong place. I know because I used to just snip the top leaves, thinking more leaves meant more growth.

But the real trick lies in cutting just below a node. A node is the small bump on the stem where the leaves grow out. This is the sweet spot for propagation because it’s where the plant’s natural growth hormones are most concentrated, making it ideal for growing new roots.

Step-by-Step:

1. Locate a healthy stem: Cuttings taken from the top portion of a healthy, non-flowering mint stem are usually the best because this area has the most active growth. Look for a stem that’s about 4-6 inches below the top, making sure there are no flowers on the cutting (flowers divert energy away from root development). Avoid any that look wilted, discolored, or diseased.
2. Identify the node: A node is the junction where the leaf meets the stem. You’ll usually find these every couple of inches along the stem. For best results, look for a section with 2-3 nodes. This will give the cutting plenty of rooting potential.
3. Make the cut: With clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears (trust me, dull blades can damage the plant), cut just below the node. Make sure you leave a bit of stem below the node for support. Don’t worry about cutting too much—mint is a tough plant and will bounce back quickly from pruning.
4. Remove lower leaves: Once you’ve made the cut, strip off any leaves from the bottom few inches of the stem. You don’t want any leaves in the water or soil because they can rot and ruin your chances of successful propagation.

Propagating Mint from Seeds

Growing mint from seeds requires a bit more patience than cuttings, but it can still be a rewarding process. Follow these steps for success:

1. Prepare Seed Trays: Fill a seed tray or small pots with a light seed-starting mix. Mint seeds are tiny and require a well-draining medium to germinate properly.
2. Sow the Seeds: Sprinkle mint seeds on the surface of the soil, but don’t cover them with too much soil—just lightly press them into the soil. Mint seeds need light to germinate, so make sure they are close to the surface.
3. Keep Moist: Use a spray bottle to mist the surface and keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Consistent moisture is key here because the seeds can dry out quickly if left unchecked.
4. Provide Warmth and Light: Mint seeds need warmth and light to sprout. Keep the trays in a warm spot (around 70°F is ideal), and if possible, place them near a bright window. You can also use a seedling heat mat to maintain consistent warmth.
5. Transplant the Seedlings: Once the seedlings are about 2-3 inches tall and have a few sets of true leaves, you can transplant them into larger pots or directly into the garden. Be sure to harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions if you're planting them outside.

Patience is Key: Mint seeds can take up to 2 weeks to germinate, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate growth.

Propagating Mint from the Grocery Store

Growing mint from cuttings can be easy and rewarding, but sometimes seeing is believing. This video by Tej walks you through every step of the process. Click to watch below!

Ever bought a bunch of mint from the grocery store and thought, “I could totally plant this”? Well, you’re not wrong! I’ve done this a few times when I’ve forgotten to grab a fresh cutting from my garden.

1. Select Fresh Stems: Choose the freshest-looking stems with no wilting or black spots.
2. Trim the Bottom: Snip off the bottom inch of the stem and remove any leaves that will sit below water level.
3. Place in Water: Stick the stems in a glass of water, just like water propagation for cuttings. You’ll start to see roots in about a week.

Bonus Tip: Not all grocery store mint will root, especially if it’s been treated with growth inhibitors. So if it doesn’t work the first time, don’t sweat it. Just try another batch!

Propagating Mint from Runners

Mint is notorious for its runners—those sneaky underground stems that pop up new plants. This is actually one of the easiest ways to propagate mint, though you’ll need an existing plant that’s already sending out runners.

1. Locate the Runner: Find a healthy runner (also known as a “stolon”) that has new shoots coming out of it.
2. Dig It Up: Gently dig up the runner, making sure to keep some roots attached to it.
3. Replant: Cut the runner into sections with roots and shoots, and plant them in a new pot or spot in your garden.

Problems Propagating Mint

Alright, let’s talk about the challenges. Propagating mint isn’t always a walk in the park.

• Rotting Cuttings: If you’re using the soil method and notice the cuttings are turning black and mushy, they’ve rotted. This usually happens because the soil’s too wet. My advice? Go lighter on the watering and consider switching to water propagation if this keeps happening.
• No Roots: Sometimes you’ll be waiting forever for roots to appear, but nothing happens. This can be due to poor cuttings, lack of light, or even poor water quality. If you’ve got cuttings that just aren’t rooting, try changing the location (more sunlight) or starting with a fresh cutting.
• Weak Growth: Ever had a cutting that rooted, but the plant that followed was just... sad? This often happens if the cutting doesn’t have enough stored energy. Make sure you take cuttings from healthy, vigorous plants.

Conclusion: Ready to Propagate Some Mint?

Propagating mint is one of the most satisfying gardening tasks, whether you’re growing it for mojitos or mint tea. With a bit of patience and the right technique, you’ll have an endless supply of mint in no time. Whether you choose to propagate in water, soil, from seeds, or even that bunch you picked up at the grocery store, the process is super rewarding.

Don’t be afraid to try different methods to see what works best for you. And if you run into problems, remember, I’ve been there too! So, grab some mint cuttings and start propagating—you’ve got this.

Feel free to drop a comment and share your own tips or propagation experiences. We’re all learning together!

External Link: For further inspiration propagating mint, check out these resources on The Spruce and Gardening Know How.

FAQs

Is it better to propagate mint in water or soil?

Both methods work well, but propagating mint in water is often easier for beginners because you can monitor root growth.

It also tends to root faster in water, and you can transfer it to soil once the roots are 1-2 inches long. Soil propagation is great for those who want a more direct process and less transplanting, but it requires more patience and care.

What is the best way to propagate mint?

The best way to propagate mint is by taking cuttings and rooting them in water. This method is simple, fast, and allows you to see the roots as they grow. Plus, it’s easy to transfer the cuttings into soil once they develop strong roots, ensuring they have a solid foundation to thrive.

How long does it take mint to root in water?

Mint cuttings typically take about 1-2 weeks to root in water, though it can vary based on factors like temperature and light. You’ll know the cutting is ready to plant in soil when the roots are about 1-2 inches long. Make sure to change the water regularly to promote healthy root growth.

How to propagate mint runners?

To propagate mint from runners, locate a healthy runner (also called a stolon) with a small plant attached to it. Gently dig up the runner, making sure to keep the roots intact. Cut the runner and plant it in a new pot or garden space. Runners will quickly establish themselves, making this a very efficient propagation method.

How long do mint cuttings take to root?

Mint cuttings generally take 1-2 weeks to root in water, and about 2-3 weeks in soil. However, this can vary based on growing conditions like temperature, humidity, and the health of the cutting itself. If propagating in soil, you can gently tug on the cutting after a few weeks to check if roots have formed.

Can you put mint cuttings straight into soil?

Yes, you can plant mint cuttings directly into soil. Just make sure to remove the lower leaves and plant the cutting about 2 inches deep in moist soil. Keep the soil damp and place the pot in indirect sunlight. Although rooting in water is more common, propagating directly in soil is a great option for those who prefer not to transplant later on.