How to Grow Mint in New Zealand
Grows almost year-round in Auckland, slowing in winter. Keep it in a pot or sink a bottomless container in the bed, as the runners will quickly take over open ground. Sits happily in part shade with steady moisture.
When to plant mint in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
Best mint varieties for NZ
- Spearmint — The classic garden mint for cooking and drinks, vigorous and easy from seed or runners. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Peppermint — Higher menthol than spearmint for a stronger, cooler flavour, best grown from a plant or cuttings. (Kings Seeds, Awapuni Nurseries)
How to grow mint
- Space plants about 30cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
- Position: part shade.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 70 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 14 days.
Companion planting
Grow mint near: Cabbage, Tomato.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Rust, Aphids. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Mint plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant mint in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy mint seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds, Awapuni Nurseries.