Can mint be grown from store-bought cuttings?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Starting your herb garden with grocery store cuttings of mint is a cost-effective way to begin the process. Most people are unaware that fresh mint stems from the grocery store can be cultivated into productive plants. I have been doing it for several years to save money while still having all the varieties I want. It is quite doable using proper methods.
Stem Selection
- Choose vibrant stems with 4-6 leaves and visible nodes
- Avoid stems with yellowing or damaged leaves
- Prefer organic mint to reduce pesticide contamination risk
Rooting Process
- Trim stems diagonally below a node using sterilized scissors
- Place in filtered water changing every 2 days
- Maintain 65-75°F temperature near bright indirect light
Transplanting
- Wait until roots reach 2 inches long before moving
- Use well-draining soil in containers with drainage holes
- Acclimate gradually to sunlight over 5 days
For store-bought mint propagation to be successful, you must maintain consistent conditions. After taking cuttings, cover with plastic domes to keep them humid. Apply rooting hormone for difficult-to-propagate varieties, such as peppermint. Turn containers so they receive equal light exposure. Follow these practices, and in 5-10 days, healthy roots should begin to develop.
Effectively troubleshoot the most common propagation issues. If the cuttings begin to wilt, misting the leaves a bit and reducing light levels can help. Cloudy water leads to bacteria in the water that calls for an immediate change in the water. If, after two weeks, you see no roots, the nodes were not submerged appropriately, so start over with cuttings.
Mint that has been transplanted requires a gentle acclimatization period. Start with 2 hours of morning sun each day in the beginning, then gradually increase the sun time. Water it when the topsoil has dried out, but avoid allowing it to become waterlogged. Pinch back the first flower buds so they will focus their energy on developing their roots. Your grocery store mint will be a productive plant in just a few weeks.
Read the full article: How to Grow Mint: A Complete Beginner Guide
