How should mint be pruned for continuous growth?

Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Correct pruning supports mint production and hinders leggy growth - or a long-stemmed and inconsistent growth pattern. Timely trimming allows for bushier plants with reduced taller growth and lower chemical leaf content. Certain cuts can focus energy on production instead of flowering. Your mint plants remain stout and healthy during the growing season.
Weekly Tip Management
- Pinch 1/4 inch above leaf nodes using fingers
- Encourages lateral branching for denser foliage
- Focus on stems showing vertical elongation
Flower Bud Control
- Remove buds immediately upon appearance
- Prevents energy diversion from leaf production
- Maintains essential oil concentration in foliage
Structural Correction
- Cut leggy stems back by 50% with sterilized shears
- Make angled cuts just above healthy leaf nodes
- Remove thin weak stems completely at soil level
Employing a method known as weekly tip pinching allows you to redirect growth hormones. This straightforward technique requires you to use your thumb and forefinger. Squeeze lightly above the leaf nodes where the new growth is forming. Within a matter of days, the plants will respond by forming multiple side branches.
When you see flower buds, remove them immediately. Flowering indicates the end of the peak leaf production period - energy is diverted from leaves to seed development. Continually removing flower buds allows you to maintain a more consistent quality of your harvest yield. I check my plants every day during the flowering season.
To rectify leggy growth, prune stems back aggressively. Use sharp, sterilized shears for a clean cut. Remember to cut angles to avoid standing water on the cuts. Additionally, remove all weak stems to improve air circulation.
When plants turn woody, perform rejuvenation pruning. In early spring, cut stems back to one inch above the soil. After this significant cut, it is essential to water the plants well. Within two weeks, new soft growth will appear when the weather warms.
Sterilize tools between plants with rubbing alcohol. This prevents the transmission of disease through open cuts. I wipe blades after each plant. Clean tools ensure healthy regrowth without risk of infection.
Read the full article: How to Grow Mint in Pots: A Complete Guide