Herb
Can you grow Mint on a balcony?
Mentha
Yes — great in containers
Mint (Mentha) grows well on a balcony in a pot of at least 10 litres (about 25 cm deep). It needs partial shade — around 4+ hours of direct sun a day. Pick leaves from late spring to mid-autumn; harvest regularly to keep plants compact.. All figures below are sourced from RHS and the Old Farmer's Almanac.
Sun
⛅ Partial shade (4+ h)
Min. pot
10 L · 25 cm
Water
Medium
Difficulty
Easy
Hardiness
USDA 3-9
Container fit
Excellent
Sow
Sow seed thinly on the surface of damp seed compost at ~20C, spring; germinates in ~2 weeks. Easier from a bought plant or division.
Harvest
Pick leaves from late spring to mid-autumn; harvest regularly to keep plants compact.
Good companions: Cabbage and tomatoes (deters cabbageworms, moths, aphids, flea beetles)
Balcony tip: Always grow mint in its own pot to stop the vigorous roots invading other containers; repot every few years.
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Häufige Fragen
What size pot does Mint need?
Mint needs a container of at least 10 litres, roughly 25 cm deep. Bigger pots dry out more slowly and give better yields on a balcony.
How much sun does Mint need on a balcony?
Mint wants partial shade — about 4+ hours of direct sun daily. Match it to your balcony's aspect before buying seed.
When do you sow Mint?
Sow seed thinly on the surface of damp seed compost at ~20C, spring; germinates in ~2 weeks. Easier from a bought plant or division.. Timing shifts with your climate/USDA zone — the linked sources give the detail.
Sources & date
- RHS: Mint
- Old Farmer's Almanac: Mint
- Data as of: 2026-07-10
- Container sizes and timings are guidance — adjust to your climate/USDA zone and balcony aspect.