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Mint, or "pudina" as it is commonly known in India, is a versatile herb cherished for its culinary uses and therapeutic properties. This fragrant plant, a member of the mint family, is an essential component in a wide array of dishes, including delectable desserts and invigorating beverages. Although pudina is easily obtainable from retail establishments, nothing beats the freshness of leaves grown at home.
With this knowledge in mind, the following is an exhaustive manual on how to grow mint indoors, allowing you to savour its lively taste directly from your balcony or garden.
Conditions Needed For Pudina Cultivation
Mint is relatively undemanding and thrives in a moderate climate. Optimal growing conditions for mint are as follows:
Temperature: Temperature control is important for growing a pudina tree. 15°C to 25°C is the optimal range for mint.
Proper sunlight: Regular sunlight is required for approximately four to six hours.
Soil and Container: Mint can thrive in containers with a minimum depth of four to six inches. Fertilised and well-draining soil is required.
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Propagation: Mint is commonly cultivated from cuttings or seeds, with germination occurring within a time frame of 7 to 15 days.
Harvest: The harvest period commences around forty days after the occurrence of germination.
How To Plant Pudina At Kitchen Garden
Image Credit: Freepik
Planting mint can be approached through several methods, each suitable for different settings and preferences:
Using Starter Plants: This approach is the most direct and simple. Start by acquiring a healthy mint plant from a nursery. After gently removing it from its container and untangling the roots, transplant it into a larger container or a prepped garden hole. Make sure the biodegradable container's rim is just above the soil level. Space multiple plants at least two feet apart.
From Seeds: Plant 2-3 seeds in well-draining soil or starter pods, spaced a few inches apart. Begin indoors and transplant outdoors once the seedlings are robust enough and have several leaves.
Cuttings: A five-inch cutting should be taken from a robust mint plant. The cutting may be rooted in water until it produces roots, at which point it may be inserted directly into a pot or garden bed, or planted in soil.
Image Credit: Freepik
Indoor Cultivation
For individuals who enjoy indoor gardening, mint stands out as an excellent option. Position your mint plant close to a window to ensure it gets plenty of sunlight. It's crucial to maintain the soil's moisture levels, avoiding waterlogging. Simply water the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch, ensuring its well-being.
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How to Care For A Pudina Plant
Sunlight: While mint does well in both full sun and partial shade, it prefers partial shade in warmer climates. Variegated varieties may require protection from intense sunlight.
Drainage: Mint thrives in moist, well-draining soil. Use a standard potting mix and ensure your containers have adequate drainage holes.
Image Credit: Freepik
Space Management: Mint is known for its invasive nature. To prevent it from overtaking other plants, grow it in a separate pot.
Mulching: Applying mulch around the base of the plant helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
How to Harvest Pudina At Home
Harvesting mint is simple but crucial for promoting vigorous growth. Regularly pluck leaves or cut sprigs as needed. Simply above a set of new leaves, prune the stems to encourage bushier growth. It is preferable to pinch off buds to prevent the plant from flowering. The process of flowering may diminish the production of leaves.
