Mountain Mint Seeds - Native Pollinator Perennial (Pycnanthemum spp.)

Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum)

Indoor & Outdoor Planting Instructions

Mountain Mint is a hardy, long-lived native perennial valued for its fragrant foliage and exceptional pollinator support. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and spreads gradually to form attractive clumps.

Indoor Planting (Starting Seeds Indoors)

Best time:
Start seeds 8–10 weeks before your last expected frost.

Steps

1. Cold Stratification (Recommended):
   
   Mountain Mint seeds benefit from cold, moist stratification.
   
   Place seeds in a moist paper towel or soil mix
   
   Seal in a bag and refrigerate for 30 days
   
2. Prepare Containers:
   
   Use seed trays or small pots with drainage holes
   
   Fill with a well-draining seed-starting mix
   
3. Sow Seeds:
   
   Sprinkle seeds on the soil surface
   
   Press lightly into the soil (do not bury deeply—light helps germination)
   
4. Water & Light:
   
   Mist gently to keep soil evenly moist
   
   Place in bright light or under grow lights
   
5. Germination:
   Germination usually occurs in 14–28 days
   
   Keep soil moist but never soggy
   
6. Transplanting:
   Once seedlings have 2–3 sets of true leaves, harden off gradually
   
   Transplant outdoors after frost danger has passed

Outdoor Planting (Direct Sowing)

Best time:

• Fall planting (preferred) – natural winter cold stratifies seeds
  
• Or early spring after frost danger has passed

Steps

1. Site Selection:
   
   Full sun to partial shade
   
   Well-drained soil (tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils)
   
2. Soil Prep:
   
   Remove weeds
   
   Lightly loosen top 1–2 inches of soil
   
3. Sow Seeds:
   
   Scatter seeds on soil surface
   
   Press lightly into soil—do not bury deeply
   
4. Water:
   
   Water gently after planting
   
   Keep soil lightly moist until seedlings establish
   
5. Spacing:
   
   Space plants 18–24 inches apart
   
   Plants will fill in over time

Care & Growth Notes

• Water: Low once established
  
• Height: 2–3 feet
  
• Bloom Time: Mid- to late summer
  
• Maintenance:
  Cut back stems in late fall or early spring
  Spreads by rhizomes but is easy to manage