How to take mint cuttings

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Monday, 21 October 2019 at 3:30 pm

Follow these easy steps to propagate mint by taking root cuttings.

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Mint is easy to propagate from root cuttings in autumn.

Once taken, the cuttings can be grown on in pots indoors to make new plants. The roots and underground stems of mint are the best parts to make cuttings from, and you can also use this method on tarragon, sweet woodruff and horseradish.

Follow the steps in this quick guide to take root cuttings from mint.

You Will Need

Hand fork
Sharp knife
Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
Horticultural grit
Seed tray or small pots

Total time: 30 minutes

Step 1

Exposing the mint roots

Use a hand fork to expose thick roots or stolons around the edge of the plant and cut off long pieces for cuttings.

Step 2

Cutting the roots to short lengths

Cut them into short, 2-3cm lengths using a sharp knife. Discard thin, weak pieces.

Step 3

Laying the cuttings on a tray of compost

Fill a seed tray by two thirds with a 50:50 mix of multi-purpose compost and grit. Lay cuttings on the surface, then cover with more compost and water.

Grow mint in pots or containers

Mint is a very vigorous plant. Grown in the ground it can quickly spread and run riot, so is best grown in a pot or container where it can't escape.

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