Does mint come back every year in the UK?

Yes, mint is a hardy perennial that returns each spring. The top growth dies back after the first hard frost in autumn. Roots survive underground through winter, tolerating temperatures down to minus 15C in most varieties. New shoots appear from March onwards without any replanting. Mint plants remain productive for 3-4 years before needing division and repotting in fresh compost.

Why should I not plant mint in the garden soil?

Mint spreads aggressively through underground runners called stolons. These horizontal stems travel up to one metre per season beneath the soil surface. Within two years, a single plant can colonise an entire bed. Removing established mint roots is extremely difficult because even small fragments regrow into new plants within weeks.

Can I grow mint indoors on a windowsill?

Mint grows well indoors on a bright windowsill year round. Choose a pot at least 15cm wide with drainage holes. Place it where it receives 4-6 hours of light daily. Turn the pot weekly so growth stays even. Water every 2-3 days in summer and weekly in winter. Indoor plants produce smaller leaves but remain productive.

What is the best mint variety for cooking?

Spearmint is the best all-round culinary mint. It has a mild, sweet flavour that works in drinks, salads, sauces, and lamb dishes. Peppermint suits teas and desserts with its stronger menthol kick. Moroccan mint makes the finest traditional mint tea. Apple mint has a gentle fruity note ideal for jellies and fruit salads.

How do I stop mint from spreading?

Grow mint exclusively in containers on hard surfaces. Use pots at least 30cm wide with drainage holes and stand them on paving or gravel. If you must plant in borders, sink the entire pot into the ground with the rim 5cm above soil level. Check for escaping runners monthly during the growing season and cut them back immediately.

How do I treat mint rust?

Remove affected stems immediately and bin them. Never compost infected material as the spores survive. Cut severely infected plants to ground level and let them regrow. Improve air circulation by thinning crowded growth. Apple mint shows the best natural resistance to rust. Start with clean, certified disease-free stock from reputable suppliers.

How often should I water mint in pots?

Water container mint every 1-2 days in summer and weekly in cooler months. Mint prefers consistently moist soil but not waterlogged conditions. Push a finger 2cm into the compost to check. If it feels dry, water thoroughly until liquid drains from the base. Mulch the surface with gravel to retain moisture between waterings.

Growing | 29 December 2025 | 12 min read

How to Grow Mint in the UK

UK guide to growing mint in pots and containers. Covers varieties, propagation from cuttings, stopping mint spreading, and dealing with mint rust.

Growing

Mint is a hardy perennial that thrives across all UK regions. Always grow it in containers because underground stolons spread up to one metre per season in open ground. Spearmint and peppermint are the most popular culinary varieties, both surviving temperatures down to minus 15C. Plants crop from May to October and die back in autumn before returning each spring.

Spread RateUp to 1m per season in ground

HardinessSurvives to -15°C

CuttingsRoot in 7-14 days, 90% success

Harvest SeasonMay to October

Key takeaways

Always grow mint in containers — underground runners spread up to one metre per season in open ground
Spearmint and peppermint survive to minus 15C and grow reliably across all UK regions
Stem cuttings root in 7-14 days with a 90 percent success rate from April to August
Harvest by cutting stems to 5cm above soil level to force bushy regrowth
Mint dies back after the first frost but returns each spring without replanting
Apple mint shows the best resistance to mint rust among common UK varieties

mint herbs container gardening propagation kitchen garden perennial herbs

By Garden UK Editorial Team

Our team produces practical UK gardening guidance from source research, contributor records and established horticultural practice. Editorial standards are overseen by Matt W.

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