From our perspective, not all mint is the same. While we are all part of the *Mentha* genus, different cultivars have slightly different needs. For indoor cultivation, we recommend our more compact cousins like Spearmint (*Mentha spicata*) or Peppermint (*Mentha piperita*), as we tend to be less aggressive in containers. The pot you choose is critical. We demand excellent drainage to prevent our roots from rotting. Select a container that is wide rather than deep (a 12-inch diameter pot is ideal) with ample drainage holes. A quality potting mix, light and well-aerated, is far superior to dense garden soil, which can suffocate us.
Light is our primary source of energy. To thrive indoors year-round and produce the lush, aromatic leaves you desire, we require a minimum of 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A south-facing window is often perfect. If natural light is insufficient, especially during the short days of winter, you must supplement with a grow light placed 6-12 inches above our canopy for 12-14 hours a day. We prefer comfortable room temperatures between 65-70°F (18-21°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night. Please keep us away from both cold drafts and intense, dry heat from vents, as these extremes cause us stress.
Our watering needs are specific. We enjoy consistently moist soil, but we abhor sitting in waterlogged conditions. The goal is damp, not soggy. The best method is to check the top inch of soil with your finger; water us thoroughly when it feels dry, allowing the excess to drain completely from the pot. We will visibly wilt if too dry, but this is a sign of significant stress. As for food, we are moderate feeders. In our confined indoor environment, a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength, applied once a month during our active growing season (spring and summer), is sufficient. Please refrain from overfeeding us, as it diminishes our signature flavor.
Regular harvesting is not just for your benefit; it is essential for our health. Pinching off our stem tips encourages us to become bushy and compact instead of becoming leggy and weak. Always harvest by cutting stems just above a set of leaves (a node). This prompts two new branches to grow from that point, creating a denser plant. Never remove more than one-third of our foliage at one time. Regularly pick off any flowers that form, as flowering signals us to slow leaf production and can make our flavor bitter. This constant pruning keeps us in a vegetative state, producing the tender leaves you want.
Over time, we may become pot-bound or woody. The simplest solution is to propagate new, young plants. This is easily done by taking 4-6 inch stem cuttings, placing them in water until roots develop, and then planting them in fresh potting mix. This ensures you always have a vibrant plant. Indoors, we are susceptible to pests like spider mites and aphids. Inspect our leaves frequently, especially the undersides. A strong spray of water or an application of insecticidal soap is usually effective. Good air circulation around us, provided by a gentle fan, helps prevent these issues and strengthens our stems.
