If you enjoy fresh herbs, you may have encountered the frustrating issue of mint plants wilting. Mint plants are hardy perennial herbs that thrive in moist compost with lots of sun. However, they are prone to wilting if the soil dries out. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of mint wilting and provide practical solutions to save your beloved herb.
The Main Cause: Under Watering and Sandy Soils
The most common reason for mint plants wilting is under watering or quick draining soils, particularly sandy soils. Mint requires soil that is consistently moist, so frequent watering is a necessity. To maintain the optimal moisture level for your mint, consider the following factors:
- Compost: Mint prefers rich loam soil or compost as they retain moisture better than sandy soils.
- Pots and containers: If you’re growing mint in pots, make sure they are adequately sized and have proper drainage holes.
- Climate and weather: Depending on your climate, you may need to adjust your watering frequency. In hot climates, potted mint may require watering every two days.
Saving an Under Watered Mint
To save an under watered mint, adjust the frequency of watering to ensure consistently moist soil. In arid climates, watering every other day during summer may be necessary, while in cooler temperate climates, weekly watering should suffice. When the soil is dry and your mint is wilting, give it a generous soak. For potted mint, this means watering until you see water trickling out of the base, ensuring the soil is moist throughout. In garden borders, give the mint a generous watering and add mulch to retain moisture on hot days.
Using materials like compost, leaf mould, or well-rotted manure as mulch improves moisture retention and adds nutrients to the soil. Planting mint in generous amounts of compost can also help retain moisture.
Remember, mint can wilt temporarily in extreme heat and recover in cooler temperatures. Observing and adjusting watering habits based on your mint’s needs will help prevent wilting.
Potted Mint Wilting: Small Pots and Lack of Drainage
If your potted mint is wilting, the issue is likely one of two factors: the pot is too small or it lacks drainage holes. Smaller pots have less capacity to retain moisture, and mint plants prefer full sun, which can cause the soil to dry out quickly. Additionally, certain pot materials, such as metal or black plastic, can conduct heat effectively, exacerbating the drying effect of the sun.
To save wilting potted mint, re-pot the plant into a larger pot that is at least 12 inches across. Opt for terracotta, clay, or ceramic pots, as they retain moisture better and don’t heat up as quickly as plastic or metal pots. If the mint’s current pot lacks drainage holes, transfer it to a pot with proper drainage.
When growing mint indoors, avoid using a saucer or drip tray to catch excess water, as it can lead to root rot. Instead, water the mint outdoors and place a paper towel under the pot to absorb any excess moisture when bringing it back inside.
Mint Wilting due to Saturated Soil
Mint can also wilt if the soil is slow draining or boggy, leading to root rot and fungal diseases. This typically occurs in clay soil or low-lying areas where water accumulates. To prevent root rot, plant your mint in well-draining, multipurpose compost. Pots, containers, or raised beds are ideal for preventing boggy soil conditions.
To save a wilting mint suffering from root rot, remove it from the boggy area and transplant it into a pot with multipurpose compost. Trim any diseased roots back to healthy growth with sterile pruners, disinfecting the blades after each cut. Plant the mint in the pot with good drainage and place it in full sun.
Mint Wilting After Planting: Transplant Shock
Mint plants can experience wilting or drooping due to transplant shock. When you buy mint from a store or garden center, it has been cultivated in controlled conditions. Transplanting the mint to your garden introduces a contrast in light, watering, and soil nutrients, causing temporary stress and wilting.
To mitigate transplant shock, thoroughly water the mint after planting. Use rich compost that retains moisture and ensures healthy growth. Prune the mint regularly to promote leaf growth and prevent flowering, which reduces productivity. Plant mint in a sufficiently sized pot for proper root establishment and place it in full sun. Providing the ideal conditions and regular watering will help your mint recover from transplant shock within a week.
Wilting or Leggy Mint: Lack of Sunlight or Pruning
Mint plants can become leggy and droop due to a lack of sunlight, insufficient pruning, or excessive nitrogen fertilizer. Regular pruning throughout the spring and summer encourages leaf growth, prevents flowering, and maintains a tidy appearance. Insufficient sunlight can cause the mint to grow excessively in search of light, resulting in drooping or wilting. Excessive nitrogen fertilizer stimulates excessive foliage growth, leading to weaker stems and drooping.
To save leggy mint, regularly prune the plant to keep it healthy and productive. Pruning back to around 4 inches maintains a good fragrance and flavor. If the mint is in shade, move it to an area with more sunlight. Scale back the frequency of fertilizer application to once every 4-6 weeks. Use a water-soluble, all-purpose fertilizer at half strength if your mint is drooping.
As long as your mint receives adequate sunlight and consistently moist soil, it should recover and grow well.
Remember, understanding the causes of mint wilting and implementing the appropriate solutions will ensure your mint thrives and provides a fresh supply of aromatic leaves for culinary delights. Happy gardening!