Chocolate mint plants do have a tendency to spread and can quickly take over your garden if not properly contained. This is because mint plants, including chocolate mint, have a vigorous growth habit and send out runners or underground stems called rhizomes that allow them to spread rapidly.
To prevent chocolate mint from spreading uncontrollably, it is recommended to grow them in a pot or container. This provides a physical barrier that restricts the plant’s growth and prevents it from sending out runners into the surrounding soil. Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter to allow sufficient space for the mint plant to grow.
When planting chocolate mint in a pot, make sure to use a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogged roots. Place the pot in a location that receives partial to full sun, as mint plants thrive in bright light conditions. Regularly water the plant to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
If you prefer to plant chocolate mint directly in your yard, there are a couple of methods you can use to contain its spread. One option is to line the hole where you plant the mint with a root barrier. This can be a physical barrier such as a plastic or metal sheet that is inserted vertically into the ground around the planting hole. The barrier should extend at least 12 inches deep to prevent the mint’s rhizomes from spreading beyond the designated area.
Another method is to sink the entire pot or container into the ground. Dig a hole in your desired planting location that is slightly larger than the pot and bury the pot up to its rim. This will prevent the mint plant from sending out runners beyond the confines of the pot and spreading in your garden.
It’s important to regularly monitor and maintain the boundaries of your chocolate mint plants to ensure they stay contained. Mint plants are known for their resilience and ability to regrow from even a small piece of stem or root, so it’s crucial to be diligent in managing their growth.
In my personal experience, I once planted chocolate mint directly in my garden without any containment measures. Within a few months, it had spread vigorously and invaded the surrounding plants. I had to spend a considerable amount of time and effort to remove the excess mint and restore balance to my garden. Since then, I have always grown mint in pots or used root barriers to prevent such issues.
To summarize, chocolate mint plants do have a tendency to spread, so it is recommended to grow them in a pot or use containment measures if planting directly in your yard. This will help prevent the plant from taking over your garden and ensure that it remains manageable.
