How to Care for Pineapple Mint

Choose a pineapple mint garden location that receives full sun for several hours each day. Pineapple mint tolerates partial shade well, particularly during afternoon hours.

Prepare the garden's soil so that it is rich, moist and drains well. Add 2 to 3 inches of shredded pine bark, compost or other organic matter to the soil, and work it in to 8 to 12 inches deep. Mint grows best in a soil with a pH of 6 to 7. Add ½ teaspoon all-purpose fertilizer, such as 16-16-8, to the soil per 1 square foot of planting. Work it into the soil 6 inches deep.

Grow pineapple mint from cuttings, roots or transplants. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the mint's roots, and plant with the roots just beneath the soil. Space the plants 2 feet apart.

Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost, shredded bark or other mulching material on the soil. It will help the soil retain moisture and discourage weeds.

Water the pineapple mint regularly during the growing season to supplement rainfall. Ensure the plants receive 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Keep the soil moist, but do not allow it to become soggy. Water early in the day so plant leaves can dry in sunshine.

Inspect the plants regularly for pests and disease. Pests include aphids, flea beetles and cutworms. Diseases include anthracnose, mint rust and verticillium wilt. Signs of pests or disease include damage to the foliage and discoloration. Contact your county's Cooperative Extension Service for recommendations for treating specific problems.

Harvest the pineapple mint leaves frequently throughout the growing season after the plants reach a height of 3 to 4 inches. Harvesting encourages growth and prevents flowering. Use a sharp knife or scissors to remove the leaves. Harvest late in the morning on dry and sunny days.