From my perspective as a mint plant, the number one reason I become leggy is because I am not receiving enough light. My fundamental purpose is to capture sunlight to fuel my growth through photosynthesis. When my light source is too dim, too far away, or not present for long enough each day, my survival instincts kick in. I must prioritize finding light above all else. To do this, I rapidly stretch my stems and internodes (the sections between sets of leaves) towards any perceived light source. This rapid, desperate growth makes me tall, spindly, and weak instead of full and bushy. I am essentially sacrificing structural integrity for the chance to reach the energy I need to live.
This stretched growth, known as etiolation, is not healthy for me in the long run. My stems become thin and fragile, unable to support the weight of my own leaves. I am more susceptible to breaking from a gentle touch or the weight of water droplets. Furthermore, by concentrating my energy into vertical growth, I have far fewer resources to produce the lush, aromatic leaves you desire. My lower leaves may even yellow and drop because they are starved of light, making the problem even worse. A leggy structure also means less air circulation around my base, creating a damp environment where pests like spider mites or diseases like powdery mildew can thrive.
The most effective way you can help me correct my leggy form is through aggressive and regular pruning. Do not be afraid to cut me back! Using clean, sharp scissors, you should trim my stems, cutting just above a set of leaves (a leaf node). This action signals a pivotal change in my growth directive. Instead of continuing to grow straight up from the top, I will be stimulated to produce two new lateral shoots from the leaf nodes just below the cut. This process, when repeated, encourages me to become denser and bushier. You can safely prune up to two-thirds of my height. I am a very resilient herb and will grow back even fuller.
Pruning alone is not enough; you must also fix the underlying environmental issue. Please move me to a location where I can receive at least 6-8 hours of bright, direct sunlight daily. A south-facing window is often ideal. If natural light is insufficient, especially in winter, consider providing me with a supplemental grow light placed just a few inches above my foliage to prevent me from stretching again. Additionally, ensure you are pinching off my flower buds as soon as they appear. When I start to flower, I shift my energy from leaf production to reproduction, which can lead to slower leaf growth and a woodier, leggier stem.
If I have become extremely leggy and bare at the base, the best solution might be to start fresh. You can take the healthiest tips from my pruned stems, about 4-6 inches long, and place them in a glass of water. In just a week or two, I will grow new roots from these cuttings. Once the roots are established, you can plant me in fresh, well-draining soil. This gives me a new beginning, allowing me to grow into a compact and healthy plant from the start, provided my new location has ample light.
