How to Grow Vietnamese Mint in Australia
A warm-season herb crop for the home garden
Growing your own Vietnamese Mint is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard.
This guide covers when to plant Vietnamese Mint in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Vietnamese Mint is a warm-season crop, frost-tender and needs a frost-free run. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in September, October, November, December, January, February, March and April. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Vietnamese Mint part sun to light shade. It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed about 1 cm deep. Thin or space plants to about 30 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 14 days, fastest when the soil is between 20 and 28 degrees.
Not a true mint, peppery coriander-like flavour. Perennial in SEQ. Loves damp shade. Essential for pho and Vietnamese salads.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 6 L per plant every 2 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
The main diseases to watch are Rust. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Vietnamese Mint is typically ready to harvest in around 60 days (about 2 months).
In the Kitchen
Nutritionally: contains essential oils and antioxidants and supports digestion and appetite.
Track Your Vietnamese Mint Growing
Add vietnamese mint to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Vietnamese Mint in Australia?
Vietnamese Mint is a warm-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in September, October, November, December, January, February, March and April. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Vietnamese Mint take to grow?
Vietnamese Mint is generally ready to harvest in around 60 days (about 2 months).
How much sun does Vietnamese Mint need?
Give it part sun to light shade for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Vietnamese Mint in the Plant Library
