Contents
- 1 How to Prune Mint for Bushier Growth and Bigger Harvests (Beginner Guide)
How to Prune Mint for Bushier Growth and Bigger Harvests (Beginner Guide)
Mint is one of the easiest and most rewarding herbs to grow indoors or outdoors—but if you don’t prune it correctly, it can quickly become leggy, overgrown, and less flavorful. Pruning your mint plant the right way can give you bushier growth, stronger aroma, and bigger harvests all season long. This guide will show you how, when, and why to prune your mint like a pro.
Why Prune Mint at All?
If left unpruned, mint can:
Become leggy with fewer leaves
Lose its strong aroma
Take over garden beds or pots
Produce smaller harvests
Pruning encourages the plant to grow outward instead of upward, giving you a fuller, leafier mint bush.
When Is the Best Time to Prune Mint?
First prune: Once the mint is about 4–6 inches tall
Ongoing trims: Every 1–2 weeks during the growing season
End of season: Heavier pruning in late summer to keep it manageable
Avoid pruning during winter dormancy if growing outdoors, but indoor mint can be trimmed year-round.
How to Prune Mint for Best Results
Use clean, sharp scissors or garden shears
Cut above a leaf node (where two leaves grow from the stem)
Leave at least two sets of leaves on the stem so it can regrow
Where to Cut:
Focus on cutting the top third of the plant
Pinch off any flower buds to keep the plant producing leaves
Bonus Tip:
Always harvest in the morning for the most potent flavor, just after dew has dried.
How Often Should You Prune Mint?
Light trimming: Weekly
Full prune: Monthly during peak season
Flower removal: As soon as buds appear
Consistent trimming ensures continuous new growth and prevents woody stems.
Signs Your Mint Needs Pruning
Thin, leggy stems
Fewer or smaller leaves
Yellowing or browning at the tips
Flowers starting to form
These are all signs that your mint plant is putting energy into stem or flower growth instead of leaf production.
Tools You’ll Need for Pruning Mint
Sharp scissors or small pruning shears
A clean container or bowl to collect clippings
Gloves (optional, but mint can irritate sensitive skin)
Need a good pair of pruning shears? Try these highly rated herb scissors on Amazon.
What to Do with Pruned Mint
Don’t toss your trimmings! Use them to:
Brew fresh mint tea
Add to smoothies or salads
Infuse into oils or vinegars
Freeze in ice cubes for cocktails
Dry and store for later use
You can also propagate mint from cuttings:
Place stem cuttings in water
Wait 7–10 days for roots to form
Transfer to soil and grow a whole new plant
Final Thoughts on Pruning Mint
Regular pruning is the secret to a bushy, vibrant, and productive mint plant. Whether you’re growing it in a pot on your windowsill or in your garden bed, trimming it consistently will keep it lush and flavorful all season long. Don’t be afraid to cut back—mint is hardy and bounces back quickly.
With just a few minutes of care each week, your mint will thrive and reward you with a never-ending supply of fresh, aromatic leaves. And if you love mint in teas, desserts, or even pest control recipes, you’ll definitely want to keep it looking its best!
For more on pruning and herb maintenance, check out this guide to pruning indoor herbs from Gardening Know How.