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Wintering Mints in containers in Z5

18 years ago

I have several new in 2005 Mints I am growing in containers.

Are they able to survive Z5 winters outside or would they be better off in an unheated garage or south side of a building? Would they need to have straw or leaves packed around them? I would like to avoid sinking them in the ground if possible.

Also they have gotten quite leggy. Is it alright to cut them back this time of year and how far should I cut them back if this is okay.

Thanks for your advise. :-)

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Comments (4)

username_5
18 years ago
The mint will die back to under the soil when the frosts start hitting so no need to cut it back.

I don't know if all mints are equally cold hardy, but I would think it would overwinter fine in a pot. I haven't done that, but I have pulled a bunch out of the ground and tossed them onto the compost pile and had them growing in it the next year. For certain you can save seeds and those will survive the overwintering in pots.
martieinct
18 years ago
If you look back to the thread "are all mints perennial?" you'll get some more info.

If you choose to overwinter them inside, it would probably be best to cut them back. Remember that with overwintering anything containered, your main concern is the roots, not necessarily the top growth. You want to encourage the plant to be healthy and leggy growth is usually a breeding ground for bad critters.

I wouldn't count on any seeds from hybrid mints being "true." If you want to multiply your plants, do that through cuttings, instead.

A lot of time to save indoor space, I'll take hardy containered plants and sink them, container and all, into the ground after first frost. Fine mulch about 2". Just be sure that you use plastic -- earthenware in Z5 will crack. Also be sure to pull them in Spring before any serious growth starts so they don't end up rooting in the garden.

Hope this helps!

Martie
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Bethany_Z5
Original Author
18 years ago
Thank you for the info. :)
baci
18 years ago
Have you thought about keeping them indoors so they are evergreen? Some of the others will stay green all year if warm enough. I have grown spearmint all winter indoors in zone 5.

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