Is basil and mint a perennial?
Mia Smith
Published Mar 11, 2026
Is basil and mint a perennial?
Basil is a short-lived perennial, but is often most successfully grown as an annual. Full sun is often recommended, but I find a bit of shade is good. Mint is a perennial herb; planted in a favorable location, most mints will spread quickly. The right place for growing mint is one that is sunny with plenty of water.
Is basil mint the same as basil?
The most popular basil plant is usually the sweet basil that is also known as the Genovese or Italian basil. Mint has a completely different appearance when placed next to a basil plant. Compared to the smooth and sleek look of the sweet basil leaves, the mint leaves look much rougher and textured.
Can mint be planted with basil?
Mint. Plant mint next to your radish, cabbage or kale. This herb also works well together with dill, basil or cilantro.
Is Basil Mint Hardy?
Hardy perennial. We recommend growing in a container (as it likes to spread). Likes full sun or partial shade. Likes a well drained soil.
Can you keep a basil plant year round?
As previously mentioned, basil is an annual in most cases. You can try to keep basil through the winter. However, sweet basil is meant to live its life cycle within one year and thereafter go to seed. At the end of the season, though, you can try to keep it alive by moving potted basil indoors.
Is mint annual or perennial?
Mint is a perennial herb with squared, four-sided stems with opposite leaves and small-lipped flowers. All parts of the plants are pungent. Most mint plants spread rampantly, forming a thick mat of spreading stolons (creeping underground stems) just under the surface of the ground.
Which is better mint or basil?
Basil has a sweet and savory taste while mint has a tangy but sweet flavor with a cold aftertaste. Both herbs are perfect for container gardening more especially basil because there are several varieties that take up only minimal space. Both herbs love lots of water.
Should I let basil flower?
If you are cultivating basil strictly for its leaves, it is best to remove the flowers. Or, you can also sprinkle them on a salad or over pasta to enliven the dish because, yes, basil flowers are edible. They also make great tea! You can expect the blooms to taste similar to the leaves, but with a milder flavor.
What can you not plant with basil?
Plants to Avoid Growing With Basil
- Herbs. While you can plant basil next to chamomile, oregano, and chives, basil generally prefers the company of vegetables over other herbs, and should not be planted near rue or sage.
- Cucumbers.
- Fennel.
What can you not plant with mint?
Companion Planting. Avoid duplicating photos showing mint planted in a single windowsill container with other herbs: mint does NOT do well planted with other common herbs such as lavender, rosemary, sage and thyme, as these herbs prefer soil dry-down and sunny locations.
Is Mint Basil invasive?
Mint is a great addition to a herb garden, but its invasive roots can take over. Mint is a great addition to a herb garden, but its invasive roots can take over.
How do you take care of basil and mint?
How to Cultivate Basil
- Soil: Basil does its best in well-drained, moist soil with a neutral pH.
- Sun: Basil grows well in warm environments that receive about six hours of sun each day.
- Water: Give basil water when the soil is dry to the touch, doing your best to water the plant at its base and not all over its leaves.
Is mint a perennial herb?
YES: Mint is a perennial herb that has four-sided stalks with square, opposite leaves and small flower buds. That’s why you should always plant mint in pots – even in the garden – to keep it from spreading. Is Mint a perennial – How to Grow Mint – How to Grow Mint from seed all questions well explained
Do mint and Basil grow better outside?
They both do better outdoors, in the sun. Note that basil is an annual (it lasts for one growing season) and mint is a perennial (it should come back every year, if maintained properly). Everybody starts somewhere. Congratulations on beginning gardening!
Is Basil a perennial plant?
Basil plants can thrive as a tender perennial in warmer climates such as Africa and Mediterranean region or tropical climates. Even though most other herbs struggle to grow during the humid, wet seasons in this region, basil herbs don’t care as they continue to grow all year round and become an established garden shrub.
What is the best variety of Mint to grow?
If you’re ready to grow mint, try these varieties: Mentha piperita (Peppermint): This is the best for mint flavoring. It grows in USDA zones 3 through 11. Mentha piperita citrata (Orange mint): This is one of the tangiest of the fruit-flavored mints.