How to take mint cuttings

How to take mint cuttings

Follow these easy steps to propagate mint by taking root cuttings.

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
To do
To do

Do To do in January

Do To do in February

Do not To do in March

Do not To do in April

Do not To do in May

Do not To do in June

Do not To do in July

Do not To do in August

Do not To do in September

Do To do in October

Do To do in November

Do To do in December

Mint is easy to propagate from root cuttings in autumn.

Once taken, the cuttings can be grown on in pots indoors to make new plants. The roots and underground stems of mint are the best parts to make cuttings from, and you can also use this method on tarragon, sweet woodruff and horseradish.

More ways to propagate herbs:

Follow the steps in this quick guide to take root cuttings from mint.

Advertisement

You Will Need

  • Hand fork
  • Sharp knife
  • Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
  • Horticultural grit
  • Seed tray or small pots

Total time:

Step 1

Use a hand fork to expose thick roots or stolons around the edge of the plant and cut off long pieces for cuttings.

Exposing the mint roots
Exposing the mint roots

Step 2

Cut them into short, 2-3cm lengths using a sharp knife. Discard thin, weak pieces.

Cutting the roots to short lengths
Cutting the roots to short lengths

Step 3

Fill a seed tray by two thirds with a 50:50 mix of multi-purpose compost and grit. Lay cuttings on the surface, then cover with more compost and water.

Laying the cuttings on a tray of compost
Laying the cuttings on a tray of compost
Advertisement

Grow mint in pots or containers

Mint is a very vigorous plant. Grown in the ground it can quickly spread and run riot, so is best grown in a pot or container where it can’t escape.


More plants to propagate from root cuttings

Phlox root ball
Phlox root ball