Starting Korean Licorice Mint Indoors

Identification

• In its native habitat of East Asia, Korean licorice mint thrives in sunny, grassy locations close to mountains and streams. The plant is a perennial and usually grows to a height of about 3 feet, with a spread of about 2 feet. Korean licorice mint is very attractive to wildlife, and is a favorite of bees during the blooming period, which usually lasts from about July to September. The leaves can also be used to make medicinal tea.

Indoor Planting Tips

• Although Korean licorice mint can be planted directly in the garden in the spring, your chances of success are higher if you start seeds indoors. Sow the seeds just beneath the surface of the soil and keep the soil moist throughout the germination period. Twining Vine Garden recommends using a plastic cover if possible to help the soil maintain a moist environment for the seeds. The seeds require warm temperatures to germinate successfully, which is one reason that indoor planting is ideal. Keep soil temperatures between 70 and 80 F.

Germination

• Korean licorice mint seeds may germinate in as little as 10 to 14 days, although they can take longer. According to the Plants for a Future website, seeds can take as many as one to three months to complete the germination stage. Keep the seeds in a sunny location throughout the germination period because they need adequate light to sprout. Use a growing lamp if you need to supplement indoor lighting conditions.

Transplanting

• Once the plants have reached 3 to 6 inches in height, they are ready to transplant to the garden. Add organic matter to your garden soil before transplanting to improve soil texture and drainage. Plants for a Future recommends keeping Korean licorice mint in a greenhouse for the first year after germination, and then transplanting into the garden in the spring or summer of the following year to ensure healthy growth. Whether you transplant to a greenhouse or directly to the garden, be sure to space plants between 10 and 14 inches apart and allow at least 65 days to full maturity.