Yes, you can absolutely grow us from seed, though it requires a bit more patience than propagating from cuttings. From my point of view as a mint plant (Mentha spp.), a seed is a tiny capsule of potential, containing the complete genetic blueprint for a new organism. My seeds are minuscule, so they don't store a lot of energy. This means we require very specific conditions to break our dormancy and successfully germinate. We need to be sown on the surface of the soil or barely covered, as we lack the energy to push through a thick layer of earth to reach the sunlight we desperately crave to begin photosynthesis.
For us mint seeds to sprout, we need a consistent environment that mimics the moist, fertile soil of our native riverbanks and woodland edges. The soil medium should be a fine, lightweight seed-starting mix that holds moisture but also drains well, preventing us from rotting before we even get started. The most critical factor is temperature; we germinate best in soil temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). This warmth signals that the conditions are safe for growth. Consistent, gentle moisture is also non-negotiable. The growing medium must be kept evenly damp but not waterlogged. From a seed's perspective, a humidity dome or a lightly placed plastic wrap can create a perfect, humid microclimate that prevents our tiny roots from drying out.
Once germinated, we enter our most vulnerable life stage as seedlings. Our initial roots are fine and delicate, primarily focused on anchoring us and absorbing water. Our first set of leaves (cotyledons) are not true mint leaves; they are part of the seed's energy store. Our first true leaves will soon follow, and that's when we truly begin the process of photosynthesis to fuel our own growth. At this stage, we require bright, indirect light. Too much intense, direct sun can scorch our tender foliage and dry out our shallow roots too quickly. A sunny windowsill or under a grow light for 12-16 hours a day is ideal for strengthening our stems and encouraging bushy, rather than leggy, growth.
As we mature, our growth habit changes dramatically. We are perennial plants in most USDA hardiness zones across the US (typically zones 3-8, depending on the species). Our focus shifts from upward growth to vigorous lateral expansion via underground stems called rhizomes. This is our survival strategy—to colonize an area and outcompete other plants. From a plant's perspective, this is why we are often considered invasive. For a gardener, this means even a single plant grown from a tiny seed can eventually fill a large container or garden bed. We will produce characteristic square stems (a trait of the Lamiaceae family) and our signature aromatic leaves, which contain the essential oils that make us so desirable to humans.
For gardeners in the US, timing is crucial. We should be started indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date in your region. This gives us a long head start so we are strong enough to be transplanted outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Given our aggressive nature, the most important tip for success is to almost always plant us in a container. This will happily contain our rhizomatous spread and protect other plants in your garden. Whether in a pot or a dedicated garden bed, we prefer a location with full sun to partial shade and consistently moist soil. While we are adaptable, extreme heat in the deep South may cause us to appreciate some afternoon shade.
