When to Clip Mint Plant Stalks

Growth Habits

• Mint plants grow up to 3 feet tall and spread widely, so regular trimming helps keep your plants in shape. They can become invasive, taking over other areas of the garden, even if you have plants growing there. If you want a mint patch without worrying about the spread, consider growing mint in a container instead of in the ground.

Cutting

• Cut off mint shoots when you want to use mint in the kitchen, trimming back individual stalks as needed. To promote plant growth, wait until the plants reach at least 3 to 4 inches tall before trimming the mint. Alternately, you may cut plants back up to three times during the growing season to within 1 inch of the ground.

Time Frame

• If you're cutting mint down to the ground periodically, watch your mint plants to determine the best time to cut them down. The best time to cut them back is right before they flower, so wait until you notice flower buds forming and then trim. If you're cutting mint by the stalk, do so whenever you need more mint. At the end of the growing season, cut your mint plant back to 1 inch about the ground to discourage pests or diseases.

Use

• Cutting back mint heavily can leave you with a large crop of mint, especially if your mint patch has spread. Dry mint by hanging the stalks upside down until they dry out, or place mint leaves in a sealable plastic bag and freeze them. Remove mint from the freezer when needed and place directly in your dish for instant flavor.