how to prune mint

Prune mint back by about one third after flowering.

Wait to prune mint until after it’s fully flowered. Using a pair of shears, cut about one third of the length off the end of each stem. Mint is a relatively hearty, fast growing herb, so do not be afraid to prune–your plant will be fine.

Where do I cut mint?

Take cuttings from the top growth of your mint plant, about 8cm in length. Remove the lower leaves and cut the stem just below the leaf node (the point on the stem where leaves emerge).

Should I cut mint runners?

Because the runners from mint travel under the soil and emerge as new plants, cutting the runner between the main mint plant and the new plants allows you to multiply the number of mint plants with ease.

Do you pick mint leaves from the top or bottom?

There is no trick to picking mint plants. The leaves can be plucked individually if you just need a few, or the plant can be pruned with shears and then the leaves removed from the stems.

Should you pinch mint?

Mint plants stay healthy and produce better if you pick them regularly and often. If you need just a little mint or want an attractive garnish, pinch off the top two sets of leaves.

How do you cut herbs without killing plants?

All you need to do is remove a small top portion of each stem every week or so. You do this with a pinching action on the top of the stem. This removes the top part of the stem cleanly and those dormant leaf buds will then start to grow. Pinching and harvesting do not damage your herb plants.

Should I cut back mint before winter?

For the best flavour, keep cutting mint to stimulate new leafy growth. After flowering is over in late summer, cut back plants to just above soil level and feed with a high-nitrogen fertiliser to encourage a fresh flush of leaves for autumn picking. In autumn, divide to make new plants.

Why is my mint so leggy?

Mint plants can grow whenever there is lack of light, unlike other plants. Whenever they are not experiencing enough light, the stems will stretch out so that they can get the needed resources, creating a leggy and lopsided look.

Why is my mint plant falling over?

The most common reason for wilting mint is because of dehydration due to dry soil that drains too quickly or under watering. Mint prefers consistently moist soil otherwise the leaves can droop. Water the mint as frequently as required to keep the soil consistently moist.