🌿 How to Grow Mint (Pudina) from Seeds
Common Names:

• Hindi: पुदीना (Pudina)

• Tamil: புதினா

• Telugu: పుదీనా

• Malayalam: പുതിന

• Kannada: ಪುದೀನಾ

• English: Mint

• Botanical name: Mentha spp. (Commonly Mentha arvensis or Mentha spicata)

1. Choose the Right Season

• Cool to warm-season perennial herb

• Best time to sow:

  • October to March in India

  • Early spring in cooler regions

• Ideal temperature: 15°C to 25°C

• Can be grown year-round in moderate climates

2. Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Moist, well-draining loamy or sandy soil

• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

• Enrich soil with compost or vermicompost

• Mint spreads quickly — ideal for raised beds or containers

3. Sow the Seeds

• Depth: Lightly press seeds on soil surface (do not bury deeply)

• Spacing:

  • Garden: 12–18 inches between plants

  • Containers: Use 8–10 inch deep pots, sow 5–6 seeds per pot

• Water gently after sowing

• Seeds are small — sow thinly and cover very lightly with fine soil

4. Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist, especially during germination

• Water 2–3 times per week, more in hot weather

• Avoid waterlogging — ensure pots have drainage holes

• Mulch to retain moisture in summer

5. Germination

• Seeds germinate in 10–15 days

• Needs warmth and humidity to sprout

• Thin seedlings after 2–3 weeks, keeping strongest ones

6. Sunlight & Temperature

• Prefers partial to full sun (4–6 hours daily)

• Tolerates some shade, especially in hot climates

• Grows best in cool to moderate temperatures

7. Fertilization

• Use compost or diluted liquid fertilizer every 3–4 weeks

• Avoid high-nitrogen feed — can lead to excessive leafy growth with less aroma

• Compost tea or banana peel compost works well

8. Pest Control

• Common pests: Aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, fungal rot

• Spray neem oil + mild soap every 10–15 days if pests appear

• Provide airflow and avoid overwatering to prevent fungal problems

9. Harvesting

• Ready for harvest in 60–75 days

• Snip stems just above a leaf node to encourage branching

• Frequent harvesting helps keep plant bushy and aromatic

• Use fresh or dry for storage

10. Regrow Tip

• Very easy to regrow from cuttings or root runners

• Can propagate by placing cut stems in water until roots form

• Invasive if planted directly in ground — best grown in containers

• Will regrow vigorously year after year

🥗 Health Benefits of Mint (Pudina)

• Aids digestion and relieves nausea

• Natural breath freshener and oral cleanser

• Anti-inflammatory and soothing for skin and throat

• Helps in respiratory relief and stress reduction

• Used in teas, chutneys, coolers, and Ayurvedic remedies