Photo: Sten Porse, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herb
Peppermint: when and how to prune
Mentha × piperita
Peppermint is best pruned in March and September.
| Pruning months | March and September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–September |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Peppermint: when to prune it?
After flowering, in September, and in March remove last year’s dead stems.
Peppermint: how to prune it?
- After flowering, cut all the stems back to a few centimetres above the ground: it soon regrows with fresh leaves.
- In March, cut away the dead stems, just before the new leaves appear.
- Cut stems with rust down to the ground as soon as you see them.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and September. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Peppermint flowers in July–September, when it attracts bees and butterflies.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
Caution: Do not put stems with mint rust on the compost heap: that way you avoid spreading the fungus.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Peppermint · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.