How to Water Mint
Mentha spp.
Reviewed by Kiersten Rankel M.S.
Quick Answer
Water mint every 2 to 4 days in spring and summer, when the top half inch of soil starts to dry. Stretch to once a week in fall, and barely at all in winter if growth dies back.
Mint tolerates damp soil better than most herbs. The leaves droop and crisp within hours of going dry, so check often during heat.
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How Often and How Much to Water
Adjust the sliders below for your pot size, light, and setting. The numbers assume a rich moisture-retaining mix and a pot or site with drainage.
Setting
Every
9days
Use
1cup
Your Watering Rhythm Across the Year
Soil dries faster in the growing season, which varies by region. Slow down watering in the off-season to avoid overwatering.
Pacific
Mountain
Midwest
Northeast
Southeast
JFMAMJJASOND
Growing season
Growing season
9days
Resting season
3–4weeks
How to Water Your Mint
Mint likes consistent dampness. Aim for soil that is steadily moist but never soggy at the bottom of the pot.
1
Pour room-temperature water at the soil line. Cold tap is fine in summer, but in cooler months let the can sit out a few minutes first.
2
Pour slowly until water runs out the drainage holes, then stop. Mint takes a deep soak well, but standing water at the base of the pot still rots the underground stems.
3
Empty the saucer after 10 minutes. Mint roots tolerate damp soil, but they do not tolerate sitting in a half inch of water all day.
4
Water in the morning, especially outdoors. Wet leaves overnight invite mildew on a plant that already grows in a tight humid mat.
Should You Water Your Mint Today?
Mint shows thirst within hours and recovers fully from a wilt, so err on the wetter side here unlike most plants. A truly soggy pot will still rot the underground stems, so make sure water is draining out the bottom.
Hold off
Leaves stand upright and look perky
Top of soil still dark and damp
Stems firm and growing actively
Pot feels heavy when lifted
Recent watering or rain within the past 2 days
Ready for water
Leaves drooping or curling under
Top half inch of soil dry to the touch
Edges of older leaves browning
Soil surface pale and crumbly
Pot feels light when lifted
If Something Looks Off
Mint is unusual in that it shows thirst quickly and dramatically. Both extremes still cause yellowing and wilt, so check the soil before assuming.
Underwatered
Soil
Dry to an inch down and pulling away from the pot walls
Leaves
Whole plant droops with crisp brown edges on older leaves
Pace
Sudden droop in heat that recovers within hours of a deep soak
Next steps
Set the pot in a basin of room-temperature water for 15 to 20 minutes so the dry rootball rehydrates from the bottom
Drain fully and put back in its usual spot
Expect the stems to lift and the leaves to firm up within 2 to 6 hours
Existing damage will not reverse but the green parts still photosynthesize. Cut back any fully crispy stems at the soil line. They will resprout within a week or two
Overwatered
Soil
Stays soggy for days with a sour smell
Stem
Stems soft or browning at the soil line
Leaves
Yellowing across the plant with grey fuzzy patches on stems and leaves
Pace
Sudden collapse that worsens even after you stop watering
Next steps
Stop watering and check for fungus gnats around the soil. Tiny black flies hovering at the surface are a near-certain sign the soil has stayed wet too long
Cut back any rotting stems to firm green tissue. Mint regrows quickly from the underground stems once the root zone dries out
Slide the plant out of the pot if a sour smell persists. Trim mushy roots back to firm white tissue and repot in fresh mix
Wait until the top inch of soil is dry before the first watering, usually 4 to 7 days
Increase airflow around the plant. Crowded mint indoors is much more prone to mildew
Got More Questions?
Why are the lower leaves browning even though I water often?
Most often this is poor airflow around dense growth. Mint runs a thick humid mat at the base where bottom leaves shade out and rot.
Cut the plant back hard, by half or more, every few weeks during the growing season. The fresh growth comes back lush and the airflow underneath improves.
Should I keep mint in a saucer of water?
No. Mint tolerates damp soil better than most herbs but it still rots from sitting in standing water for days.
Water deeply when the top half inch is dry, drain the saucer, and let any excess water out. The soil should be moist, not waterlogged.
How often should I water mint outdoors?
In summer, every 1 to 3 days for a container and every 3 to 5 days for an in-ground patch, depending on heat and rain.
In-ground mint with a deep root system tolerates more drought than potted mint. A potted plant in full sun on a hot afternoon will wilt within hours of going dry.
Can I use tap water?
Yes. Mint handles ordinary tap water without any problems. Chlorine and fluoride at municipal levels are not an issue.
If your tap runs very cold in winter and the plant is indoors, let the can sit out a few minutes so the water is closer to room temp.
How long can I leave it before a vacation?
About 5 to 7 days for a container in moderate weather. Soak deeply the morning you leave and move it slightly out of direct sun.
For longer trips during summer, set the pot inside a deeper saucer with an inch of water at the bottom. Mint is the rare herb that handles a wick-up reservoir well.
Why is my potted mint not as flavorful as the bunch I bought?
Cold temperatures and steady moisture concentrate the oils that give mint its flavor. Spring and fall growth, watered consistently, has the strongest taste.
Mint grown in heat with constant water tends to taste a bit bland. Cut back hard, move out of intense afternoon sun, and the next round of leaves will come in stronger.
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About This Article
Kiersten Rankel M.S.
Botanical Data Lead at Greg · Plant Scientist
Editorial Process
Watering guidance verified against Mentha spp. growth data from Greg's botanical database, cross-referenced with USDA hardiness zone data and published horticultural research.
3+ Greg users growing this plant
USDA hardiness zones 3a–11b