How to Grow Vietnamese Mint in New Zealand
Updated October 2026
Vietnamese mint (Persicaria odorata), also called rau răm, Vietnamese coriander or laksa leaf, is not a true mint, with a peppery, coriander-like flavour prized in Vietnamese cooking. It thrives in the warm north where true coriander bolts. It is a warmth-loving plant that does best in Auckland and Northland and needs a sheltered, frost-free spot or a pot to overwinter further south. Loves damp, part-shaded ground and grows easily from cuttings.
🌱 Plant profile: Vietnamese Mint, with sowing times for your region, companion plants and common pests.
When to plant vietnamese 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 | September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | September, October, November, December |
Best vietnamese mint varieties for NZ
- Vietnamese Mint (Persicaria odorata), Peppery coriander-scented leaves for laksa, pho and salads, grown from plants or cuttings. (Garden centres, herb nurseries)
How to grow vietnamese mint
- Space plants about 30cm apart.
- Start from a nursery plant or a cutting; it rarely sets seed in New Zealand.
- Position: part shade.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 60 days.
- Cuttings root in a glass of water or moist potting mix within a week or two in warm weather.
Companion planting
Grow Vietnamese mint near Chilli and Eggplant. It suits a damp, part-shaded spot or a pot of its own, as it spreads.
Pests and problems
Watch for: few pests. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
🌱 Plant Vietnamese Mint in your garden →FAQ
When is the best time to plant vietnamese mint in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy vietnamese mint seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Garden centres, herb nurseries.
Is Vietnamese mint the same as Vietnamese coriander or rau răm?
Yes. Vietnamese mint, rau răm, Vietnamese coriander and laksa leaf are all names for the same plant, Persicaria odorata. It is neither a true mint nor a true coriander.
Plant profile
The vietnamese mint profile has sowing times for your region, companion plants and common pests.