How to Grow Mint in Australia
Mint is the most vigorous, aggressive herb in the Australian garden — one plant can spread to fill an entire raised bed within a season. For this reason, mint is almost always best grown in a container or in a bed section isolated with a physical root barrier. However, its productivity, versatility, and companion planting benefits make it an essential garden herb.
Mint Growing Quick Reference
Plant Spacing
30 cm apart
40 cm between rows
Days to Harvest
30–60 days from transplant
Germination: 10–14 days (seed); immediate (division/cutting)
Sun Needs
Partial shade to full sun — tolerates more shade than most herbs
Water Needs
Regular — prefers moist soil; won't tolerate extended drought
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Expected Yield
Ongoing — a well-managed plant produces 100–300g per harvest event
When to Plant Mint in Australia
Planting times vary significantly across Australia's five climate zones. Find your zone below for the best planting windows.
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Months |
|---|---|
| 🌴 Tropical (Darwin, Cairns) | April–October (reduced summer production) |
| ☀️ Subtropical (Brisbane, Northern NSW) | Year-round; most vigorous March–October |
| 🍂 Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth) | Year-round; most vigorous September–April |
| ❄️ Cool/Alpine (Canberra, Hobart, high country) | August–May; dies back in winter frosts |
| 🏜️ Arid (Alice Springs, outback) | March–November with irrigation |
Not sure of your climate zone? Enter your postcode to get personalised planting advice.
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How to Grow Mint in Australia
Mint spreads by underground rhizomes that can invade the entire raised bed, choking out neighbouring plants. The best practice is to grow mint in a large pot and sink the pot into the raised bed soil (leaving 3–5cm of pot rim above ground level) to contain the roots. Alternatively, use a root barrier made from a cut-down black plastic pot or a length of corrugated iron sunk 30cm into the soil.
Mint is almost never grown from seed by experienced gardeners — it is far easier to obtain a rooted cutting from a friend, buy a pot from the nursery, or take a division from an established plant. Place a cutting in a glass of water and it will root within 7–10 days.
There are dozens of mint varieties available in Australian nurseries: 'Spearmint' and 'Common Mint' are the culinary standards; 'Peppermint' has more intense menthol flavour; 'Chocolate Mint' is milder with a hint of chocolate; 'Apple Mint' has soft fuzzy leaves and a fruity scent; 'Pennyroyal' is a ground-cover type used as a pest repellent; 'Vietnamese Mint' is a different species used in Asian cooking and is more heat-tolerant.
Harvest the top third of stems regularly to promote bushy growth. Mint left unharvested becomes woody and less productive. Cut back hard after flowering to encourage a fresh flush of growth. In Australian gardens, mint may die back to the ground in heavy frosts but regrows vigorously in spring from underground rhizomes.
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Companion Planting with Mint
Grows Well With
These plants make excellent neighbours for mint in your raised beds — they help deter pests, improve pollination, or enhance growing conditions.
Keep Away From
Avoid planting mint near these crops — they can inhibit each other's growth, attract shared pests, or compete aggressively.
Common Problems Growing Mint
Mint rust (Puccinia menthae) causes orange pustules on leaves and is common in humid conditions — remove affected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
Aphids occasionally attack new growth; treat with insecticidal soap.
Root rot in waterlogged conditions — ensure drainage.
The biggest 'problem' is mint's aggressive spreading, which is controlled by container growing.
Harvesting Mint
Harvest the top 5–10cm of stems, just above a set of leaves, to encourage branching. The best flavour is just before or during flowering. For large harvests, cut plants back to 10cm above the ground — they will reshoot vigorously within 2–3 weeks.
Expected Yield
Ongoing — a well-managed plant produces 100–300g per harvest event
Yield depends on variety, growing conditions, and management. These are typical results for well-maintained Australian raised beds.
Automatic Companion Planting
Plant Planner checks every crop assignment against the full companion database — it knows that Mint grows well with Tomato and Broccoli and warns you about antagonists automatically.
Unlock FreeHow Much Mint to Grow
1–2 contained plants is sufficient for fresh use, teas, and cooking for a family of 4
These estimates are based on average Australian household consumption. Adjust up if you plan to preserve, freeze, or use heavily; adjust down for occasional use.
Growing Mint — Frequently Asked Questions
How long does mint take to grow in Australia?
Mint germinates in 10–14 days (seed); immediate (division/cutting) and is ready to harvest in 30–60 days from transplant. Harvest the top 5–10cm of stems, just above a set of leaves, to encourage branching.
How far apart should I plant mint?
Space mint plants 30 cm apart, with 40 cm between rows. Correct spacing gives each plant room for airflow and root development and is one of the easiest ways to lift your yield in a raised bed.
How much sun does mint need?
Partial shade to full sun — tolerates more shade than most herbs. Regular — prefers moist soil; won't tolerate extended drought.
When should I plant mint in Australia?
It depends on your climate zone. In temperate areas (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide) plant mint Year-round; most vigorous September–April. Other zones: tropical — April–October (reduced summer production); subtropical — Year-round; most vigorous March–October; cool — August–May; dies back in winter frosts; arid — March–November with irrigation.
What grows well with mint?
Mint grows well alongside Tomato, Broccoli, Cabbage, Peas, Carrot. Keep it away from Chamomile (inhibits growth), which can compete with it or attract shared pests.
How many mint plants does a family of four need?
1–2 contained plants is sufficient for fresh use, teas, and cooking for a family of 4
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