lemon mint

Lemon mint should be watered every 4 to 5 days in the summer and every 1 to 2 weeks in the winter. Water the plant until it is slightly moist and then let the soil dry before watering again. To prevent root rot, do not allow the soil to become overly saturated with water. During the summer, check the plant every other day in very hot or dry weather, adjusting your watering schedule accordingly. As a general rule, it is better to water the plant deeply and less frequently than to give it light, frequent waterings.

Lemon mint prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives best in warm temperatures. For optimal growth they should receive a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. This can be extended up to 12 hours of light, although too much light can be detrimental to the plant. During the summer months, lemon mint can be exposed to up to 14 hours of light to promote lush foliage and abundant blooming. In the winter months when days are shorter, the least amount of light needed can drop to 4 hours of direct sunlight.

Lemon mint (Mentha piperita f. citrata) should be pruned in early spring, when the new growth is just appearing. Prune back lemon mint by about 1-third each time. This will promote a bushier, fuller plant with foliage that fills out to the ground. Deadheading spent blossoms and trimming off leggy branches will also encourage the plant to become more compact. Avoid over-pruning, as it can cause the plant to become weak and congested. Cutback the plant to just above the previous year's growth. This will produce healthier, more productive plants.