How to take a mint cutting?

Mint is a fragrant perennial herb with highly aromatic and edible foliage, well-known among gardeners. It is very easy to grow, whether in pots or in the ground, in gardens or vegetable patches.

This plant is easily propagated from cuttings by taking stems directly from the chosen variety. We will explore two simple methods for propagating mint: water propagation or the 'étouffée' (covered) method.

What is a mint cutting?

To obtain a new plant, it is not always necessary to sow seeds or buy an existing plant. Propagation by cuttings is an excellent way to get a new plant. It is a simple and economical method of reproduction!

Taking cuttings allows you to multiply a plant, creating a new individual by taking a part of the mother plant (i.e., a mature plant). Taking a mint cutting gives you a new plant with the same genetic characteristics (variety, taste, scent, hardiness, etc.).

Propagating mint in water or using the 'étouffée' method

We will detail two ways to successfully propagate mint: water propagation and the 'étouffée' method.

Preparing mint stems for propagation

To take mint stems for propagation, you will need scissors, a knife, or secateurs. The blades should be sharp and previously disinfected with 70°C alcohol to avoid any risk of transmitting diseases or fungi to the fragile cuttings.

Use a clean, sharp tool to cut a mint stem for propagation

Select young shoots from the mother plant that have not yet flowered, about 10 cm long. These will be of better quality for propagation and more likely to develop roots. Cut the selected stems just below a node, i.e., the point where a leaf joins the stem.
Prepare the cuttings: this involves removing the leaves from the lower half of the stem by hand, being careful not to damage the bark. This prevents the leaves from being submerged in water or buried in the pot during propagation, which could lead to rot and disease.
Cut the remaining leaves in half to prevent rapid drying out through transpiration and to help the plant focus on producing new roots.

Select a young mint stem

Steps for propagating mint in water

Water propagation is the simplest and quickest method. It requires minimal equipment: a glass, water, and patience are all you need!

Place the mint stems in a glass of water, ideally rainwater. The remaining leaves on the stem should not touch the water.
Change the water every 2 to 3 days to keep it clear and clean, preventing bacterial growth.

The mint cuttings will gradually develop their first roots in water, usually within 4 to 6 weeks.

The 'étouffée' method for propagating mint

To propagate mint in pots using the 'étouffée' method (to maintain a humid environment around the cutting), you will need:

pots with drainage holes
a pencil (or small stick)
a cloche (a transparent plastic bag, such as a freezer bag, or an upside-down plastic bottle with the top cut off will work)
potting compost, ideally seed compost

Steps for successful mint propagation in pots.

Fill the pots with compost and moisten the soil.
Place a mint stem in each pot, first making a hole with the pencil to avoid damaging the fragile stems.
Firm the soil around the stem with your fingers.
Cover the pots with the cloche to retain moisture until roots develop.
Place the pots in shade, ideally at a temperature of 20–25°C, under a cloche, in a greenhouse, or a conservatory if possible.
Ventilate occasionally to allow air circulation and prevent mould growth.

You can use rooting hormone powder before placing the stems in the pots: simply dip the stems in a little powder, then tap off the excess. This step encourages root development, but is not essential for successful mint propagation.

The mint roots will develop within 4 to 6 weeks on average.

When is the best time to propagate mint?

Mint cuttings are best taken in spring, in May or June.
At this time, the mint has not yet flowered, and it is easier to find young stems.

It is also possible to propagate mint in late summer, in August or September.

What to do after propagating mint?

The cuttings should spend their first winter under cover (under a cloche, in a greenhouse, or conservatory) before being transplanted outdoors. You can plant them in the garden the following spring, once the soil has warmed (around 10°C) and there is no risk of frost.

Good to know: mint grows quite quickly and can even become invasive! If you plan to plant your new mint outdoors, choose the location carefully. An isolated corner of the garden, a dedicated bed, or a buried pot are ideal solutions.

You can also choose to keep mint plants in pots (repot when the plant becomes root-bound, for example). Remember to water regularly, avoiding standing water in the saucer, which could cause root rot (empty it after 15 minutes).

If your mint stem turns black, the cause is likely overwatering.

Mint can easily be grown in pots

Mint varieties to propagate

All mint varieties can be propagated from cuttings: spearmint, Moroccan mint, peppermint, bergamot mint, apple mint...

Each has its own characteristics and, most importantly, a unique taste and scent. So don’t hesitate to experiment and propagate several varieties!