Mint
Mentha
Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Mint vs Basil for Container Gardens: Which Herb Should You Grow
Comparing mint and basil for container herb growing. Learn which is more productive, easier to maintain, and better for small spaces.
Quick Comparison
| Criteria | 🍃Mint | 🌿Basil | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | easy | easy | Mint |
| Days to Harvest | 90 days | 60 days | Mint |
| Container Size | 8 inch pot | 6 inch pot | Tie |
| Sunlight | partial sun | full sun | - |
| Water Needs | high | moderate | - |
| Yield | Higher | Lower | Mint |
| Beginner-Friendly | ⭐ Yes | Moderate | Mint |
Key Differences
Growth Habit
Perennial. Aggressively spreads via runners. Will take over any space.
Annual. Grows upright in clumps. Dies at end of season.
Invasiveness
Highly invasive. MUST be container-grown. Never plant in ground with other plants.
Non-invasive. Grows in tidy bushes. Safe with other plants.
Temperature Preference
Cool-season. Prefers 60-70°F. Tolerates part shade and cool weather.
Warm-season. Thrives 70-90°F. Needs full sun and heat.
Winter Survival
Dies back in winter but returns from roots in spring (perennial). Hardy to Zone 5.
Killed by frost. Must replant each spring.
Maintenance Level
Nearly zero maintenance. Hard to kill. May need pruning to control spread.
Moderate maintenance. Needs pinching, regular watering, pest monitoring.
Best Uses
Mojitos, mint tea, Middle Eastern dishes, desserts. Refreshing, cooling flavor.
Pesto, caprese, Thai curry, Italian dishes. Aromatic, sweet-peppery flavor.
Best for Mint
Choose Mint if:
- You want a nearly indestructible herb
- You have partial shade areas
- You want perennial growth (returns yearly)
- You make mojitos, tea, or Middle Eastern dishes
- You want aggressive growth
Best for Basil
Choose Basil if:
- You have full sun balconies
- You prefer warm-season herbs
- You cook Italian or Thai food
- You want more controlled growth
- You need heat-loving plants
Can They Grow Together?
No, keep them separate
Never grow mint and basil together. Mint's aggressive root system will overtake basil. Mint must be grown alone in its own container to prevent it from choking out other plants. These herbs also have opposite temperature preferences.
The Bottom Line
Mint
Choose mint if you want a nearly indestructible perennial herb that returns yearly, tolerates shade, and provides abundant harvests with zero effort.
Basil
Choose basil for warm-season growing, Italian cooking, and if you want controlled growth that won't take over your entire garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is easier to grow: Mint or Basil?
Mint is generally easier to grow in containers. It requires less maintenance and is more forgiving of mistakes.
Which grows faster: Mint or Basil?
Mint reaches harvest maturity faster, typically in 90 days compared to 60 days for Basil.
Can I grow Mint and Basil together?
No, it's not recommended. Never grow mint and basil together. Mint's aggressive root system will overtake basil. Mint must be grown alone in its own container to prevent it from choking out other plants. These herbs also have opposite temperature preferences.
Which needs less space: Mint or Basil?
Both Mint and Basil have similar space requirements and work well in small containers.
Which produces more: Mint or Basil?
Mint typically produces more harvest per plant over the growing season, making it better for maximum yield in limited space.
Which is better for beginners: Mint or Basil?
Mint is more beginner-friendly due to its forgiving nature and easier care requirements. It's a great first plant for new container gardeners.
What are the main differences between Mint and Basil?
The key differences include: growth habit, invasiveness, temperature preference. See the detailed comparison above for complete differences.
Should I choose Mint or Basil for my balcony?
Choose mint if you want a nearly indestructible perennial herb that returns yearly, tolerates shade, and provides abundant harvests with zero effort. Choose basil for warm-season growing, Italian cooking, and if you want controlled growth that won't take over your entire garden. Consider your space, sunlight, and what you want to grow when making your decision.
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