From our perspective, light is not just a requirement; it is our food. We convert light energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis. In your home, away from the full spectrum of the sun, your grow lights become our surrogate sun. We, mint plants, thrive under full-spectrum LED or fluorescent lights that mimic sunlight. The ideal light spectrum for us includes both blue waves, which promote strong, bushy leaf growth, and red waves, which can encourage flowering (though you likely prefer to keep us in a vegetative state for leaf production). You should position the lights 6 to 12 inches above our canopy. Any farther, and we will become leggy as we strain and stretch desperately towards the light source, weakening our stems.
We have an internal clock, a circadian rhythm, that is governed by light and darkness. We need a consistent daily cycle to grow properly. For us leafy herbs, a photoperiod of 14-16 hours of light followed by 8-10 hours of complete darkness is ideal. This long "day" encourages vigorous vegetative growth. The dark period is not a time of inactivity; it is a crucial time for us to respire and process the energy we gathered during the day. Please use a timer for your lights. This consistency prevents us from becoming stressed, which can make us more susceptible to pests and disease, and ensures we get the rest we need to produce the fragrant oils you desire.
While light is our primary concern under your care, it does not act alone. The intensity of your lights significantly raises our temperature and affects our humidity. We prefer temperatures between 65-70°F (18-21°C). If the heat from the lights makes our environment too warm, our soil will dry out too quickly, and we may become wilted and stressed. Good air circulation, perhaps from a gentle fan, is appreciated as it strengthens our stems and helps prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew. Furthermore, the water you provide must be consistent. Our soil should be kept moist but never waterlogged. Under intense lights, we will drink more frequently, so check on us often.
When you harvest our leaves, you are engaging in a dialogue with us. The method you use directly impacts our ability to regrow. Please do not simply pluck individual leaves from the top. Instead, use sharp, clean scissors to snip stems right above a set of leaves (a node). This signals to us to branch out from that point, becoming bushier and more productive. Harvesting in this way under the consistent grow lights allows us to recover quickly and put out new, flavorful growth for your next meal. It is a partnership that benefits us both.
