Love pudina chutney? Grow refreshing mint in your balcony or garden easily

The pleasing aroma of these leaves beckons the summers! The whole summer season can be summed up in the revitalizing aroma of this plant.

Any guesses about which leaves we are referring to? Mint is the answer.

Pudina or mint leaves are not only for the side dip or chutney that you relish with your flatbreads or fries. Mint leaves have cooling effects on our bodies.

For a tropical country like India, pudina is the perfect houseplant to keep various summer-related problems at bay like headaches, indigestion, sluggishness, etc.

The best thing about the mint plant is that it is simple to grow and maintain, and the leaves can be enjoyed all year.

Are you pumped up to grow pudina at home? This blog will impart information about the growing techniques of mint plants and more. We will talk about the following aspects of pudina or mint: -

• Unknown and interesting facts about Mint
• How to grow mint herb at home
• How to take care of Mint
• Significant health benefits of mint

Let’s get this blog started then.

Unknown and interesting facts about Mint

1. Mentha requienii is the botanical name for mint. The Greek mythical character Minthe, a nymph who was changed into the fragrant plant, was the source of the name for this plant.
2. Most of mint varieties are native to Asia and Europe
3. There are almost 600 types of mint plants across the world.
4. Do you know that The United States of America produces 70% of the World's peppermint and spearmint?
5. Mint has been a symbol of true hospitality. In ancient Greece, mint was rubbed on tables to welcome guests. In the Middle East, visitors were and are still given mint tea when they arrive. In many cultures, mint was used in homes and temples to purify the air.
6. The mint flavor you find in ice cream, candies, gum, teas, jellies, syrups, and other sweets is peppermint. The mint which is used in cooking is spearmint.
7. Vastu experts say that rubbing some mint leaves on your cash will bring more money. Or you can store two or three leaves in your wallet or chequebook.

How to grow mint herb at home

Read below to learn how to grow mint at home in a container using cutting methods. Growing mint from a cutting is faster and easier compared to pudina seeds which take longer to germinate and harvest.

Growing mint from a cutting

Arrange a mint cutting

Use a healthy stem with brilliant green leaves only, please. Just below a node, where the plant branches out, cut the stem. After that, remove all of the leaves from the bottom, leaving 5 or 6 leaves at the top.

Waiting for roots

Put this cutting in a glass of cool normal water, as this will facilitate root formation. Make sure to use transparent glass so you can see when the plant starts to form roots. The bottom two inches of the cutting should be submerged in water.

Keep the glass under the sun

• To keep the stem healthy, keep the glass in a window that gets plenty of sunlight and replace the water every day. To ensure that your cutting grows rapidly, put it in a warm room or patio.
• Changing the water will prevent rotting. New roots will form underwater in a week. In the second week, the roots will be developed to a decent length.

Plant the cutting

• It's ready to plant when you notice tiny, white roots growing from the stem's base.
• Take a medium-sized pot and fill it with regular potting soil or peat-free multipurpose compost
• Insert the cutting 2 inches deep into the soil.
• Cover the surroundings with soil and pat it
• Give your plant some water, provide sunlight, and watch it grow.

Watering the new plant

When you see that the soil is getting dry, water your new plant. A mint plant's soil must be moderately moist. Check the moisture of the soil with your fingers. If the mint plant is in a pot, make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent standing water and root rot.

Place under partial shade

At this stage you have to remember that the mint plant enjoys morning sun and afternoon shade. So, place the pot accordingly.

Depth of mint roots

Mint roots can reach depths of 12 to 18 inches easily. If you have planted the mint cutting directly into the ground, the roots will expand and new plants might quickly engulf the area. Since mint is a spreading plant, its roots require a lot of room. This is why placing the mint cutting in a container is suggested. Select a pot that is around 12 inches tall to give the roots room to expand. Plant the cuttings 2 to 3 inches apart in rows that are 18 to 24 inches apart to give your mint plants room to thrive.

Trim the top

Mint plants grow tall quickly, and you have to trim the top of the mint plant for a better harvest.

Harvest

The plant's harvesting season can be extended by pinching off flower buds as soon as they develop. The mint cutting is generally ready for harvest in six to eight weeks after planting.

From the end of spring to the beginning of fall, gather as many fresh green leaves as you like. Never take more than one-third of the leaves at a time, and wait until the plant has recovered before taking more. Simply gather as much mint as you require at once.

 How to take care of Mint

The refreshing aroma of mint is stress-relieving, and mint is one of the easiest plants to grow at home. It won’t consume much of your time. Just stick to the instructions mentioned below and take care of the mint herbs: -

Sunlight

Make sure the plant receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. Mint plants do best in partial shade, though they will still thrive in full sun with regular watering. However, it is advisable to shield them from the intense afternoon sun.

Location

If you are planting the mint plant outside, place it in a location where it gets partial sunlight and some shade. If placed inside, keep the mint plant pot near your windowsill.

Water

During dry spells, water your mint to keep the soil just barely damp. Mint thrives in soil that is kept just slightly damp but not saturated. Water your plant if the soil feels dry about an inch down. When growing mint indoors, either mist the plant between watering sessions to promote humidity or place the pot on a tray of pebbles and water. This is especially important during the winter months.

Soil

Mint may grow in a variety of soil types, but rich, deep soil with a granular texture and a high content of organic matter is best for its survival. The ideal pH range is between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should also be well-drained because mint plants enjoy moisture, but their roots can rot in damp soil.

Fertilizer

If your garden soil lacks nutrients, you can fertilize the mint plants from spring to fall. You can opt for a balanced all-purpose fertilizer to feed the plant throughout the growing season, right at the beginning of spring when the plants start to grow. Or spread a half teaspoon of a slow-release 16-16-8 fertilizer over each square foot of the mint bed before you plant. Incorporate compost and fertilizer into the top six inches of the bed. After incorporating the compost and fertilizer, plant the mint.

Temperature

Although mint is an adaptive plant whose adaptability varies with the species, the ideal range of temperature is between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius.

Pruning

Mint likes to cover the ground. The more you trim the stems or leaves, the more they grow. So, grow your mint in a small space, like a pot or the space between paving stones, to avoid having to perform extensive pruning upkeep.

Pests & diseases

Generally, pests and diseases don’t impact mint plants. But some common garden pests may affect an already stressed or weak plant like whiteflies, spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. You may also notice tiny orange spots on the underside of mint leaves and they are called rust. As a resolution, you should use a good fungicide and remember to let the plant and soil dry out completely before watering.

Special care for harsh winter

Even in the cold, mint plants are hard to kill. If your mint plant is outside, cut it back to the ground and cover it with a layer of mulch or dry leaves. Don’t remove this cover until the spring season. If you have grown mint in pots, bring them inside before it begins to frost or snow (only if you live in a cold climate). Keep the mint plant pots in a well-lit place and water only when the soil dries out.

Significant health benefits of mint

There are many varieties of mint, but spearmint and peppermint are the two most widely used across the globe. Mint is either used fresh, in dried herb form, brewed as a tea, or concentrated in an essential oil. The nutritional profile of two tablespoons of mint leaves is as follows: -

For 100gms of peppermint, the nutrients profile is as follows: -

Based on the tables above, the probable health benefits of mint are discussed below: -

Helps in better digestion

Mint has calming and purifying properties. It helps with our digestion by promoting palate cleansing and reducing stomach inflammation. When you drink mint water, it creates digestive enzymes, which results in the stimulation of the salivary glands.

Promotes oral hygiene

Mint has a reputation for freshening breath and having germicidal properties. It ensures a clean tongue and gums in addition to preventing bacterial growth in the mouth. Thus, mint is a common ingredient used to make toothpaste, mouthwash, and chewing gum.

Improves cognitive functions

Various studies say that mint leaves are good for our brains. It is a great tonic for the brain and pudina benefits in improving cognitive functions. With regular consumption of mint leaves, memory power, and mental alertness increase manifold.

May help in weight loss

Some experts say that consuming mint may help you lose weight. The flavor of mint encourages the production of digestive enzymes, which leads to the breakdown of body fat to produce energy. Now, this procedure ensures that the body fat is used to produce extra energy and not piled up inside the body. So, to manage weight loss healthily, add mint leaves to your smoothies or beverages.

Help remove signs of stress and depression

The refreshing smell of mint leaves, mint oil, mint tea, etc. brings magic. Mint is a potent natural stimulant that gives the body a surge of energy. You can either apply mint oil topically or inhale it as a vapor to treat depression or fatigue. It revitalizes the intellect, gives it energy, improves mood, and stimulates all of the body's intricate processes.

May treat asthma

Mint leaves have a calming effect and thus is highly recommended for asthma sufferers as they help clear nasal congestion. The quantity and frequency of mint use must be controlled, though, as excessive use may cause stomach and nose irritation.

Aids respiratory system and treats cold

Eating raw mint leaves or brewing them into tea, helps alleviate congestion in the lungs, bronchi, nose, and throat. Mint aids in calming and cooling the nose, throat, and respiratory channels. It also prevents a protracted condition, which typically begins with asthma or a cold. Mint is a popular ingredient in balms and ointments since it is an efficient natural remedy for the diseases mentioned above.

Great for skin and hair

The antipruritic and antibacterial characteristics of mint help in skin cleansing. Mint leaves can also put an end to skin itchiness and various skin infections while promoting a youthful glow and smoothness of the skin. The antioxidants and carotene of mint help prevent hair fall and promotes hair growth. The mint leaves have antifungal and antimicrobial properties that help in removing dandruff and head lice.

Mint leaves can grow all twelve months and that’s why you will never run out of antioxidants. With regular consumption of mint leaves, your immunity will also become stronger than ever. The best part is mint is a fuss-free plant to grow easily at home. It requires small space and minimal care to flourish. Grow your mint plant today and stay stress-free.

Happy gardening!

FAQ’s related to Mint

Is pudina a herb?

Yes, pudina, or mint, is an herb. In general, plants with savory or fragrant traits that are used for flavoring and garnishing food, medical purposes, or fragrances are referred to as "herbs." Also, herbs don’t have woody stems. Mint matches all these criteria, which is why it is an herb.

Is full sun important for growing mint?

Mint will require full sun for at least six hours to grow. They also like partial shade especially in the afternoon.

How long does it take mint plants to harvest?

After planting, the mint takes around two months to be ready for harvest.

Is mint easy to grow at home?

Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow at home. All it needs to grow is some sunlight and some shade, nutrient-rich acidic soil with good drainage, and timely watering to grow.

Can mint be grown from cuttings?

Yes, you can grow mint from cuttings. Ensure the cutting is healthy, and you will see root formation in a few days.

Which one is easier—growing mint from cuttings or seeds?

Between the two, growing mint by cutting is easier. It is because mint grows by producing runners that disperse and develop new roots.

Can mint grow all year?

Mint plants are perennial herbs that can produce new foliage or leaves all year if the stems are not damaged by cold temperatures.

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