How do I stop it from taking over my garden?

Always plant it in a container or a bottomless pot buried in the ground to restrict the roots.

Can I grow it indoors?

Yes, it grows well on a sunny windowsill with consistent moisture.

Plant guide

Spearmint.

Mentha spicata L.

Pronounced MEN-tha spy-KAY-tuh

Also known as Bush Mint, Spear Mint, Spearmint

Spearmint is a hardy, fragrant herb that spreads quickly through underground runners. It is a wonderful addition to any garden, though it is best kept in a container to prevent it from taking over your yard. You will love its refreshing scent and versatility in the kitchen.

Another photo of Spearmint — Photo by harrylurling (CC BY) via gbif

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial herb
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 2 to 4 days
Mature size: 2 feet tall
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 9
Bloom time: Mid to late summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist, as this plant hates drying out completely. Watch for wilting leaves, which signal it needs a drink, and keep an eye out for pests like aphids. Pinch back the stems regularly to encourage a bushier, more productive plant.

Watering: Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Regularly harvest or pinch back stems to promote growth and prevent flowering.
Repotting: Repot when the roots become crowded or the plant outgrows its container.
Soil: Moist, well draining soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: -20 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years before needing division.
Fragrance: Strong
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
The plant dries out very quickly between waterings.
Growth slows down significantly.

Safety

People: This plant is non-toxic to humans.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The plant is safe for children, though the strong scent may be overwhelming for some.
Contact allergens: Some people may experience mild skin irritation from the essential oils in the leaves.
Airborne allergens: The pollen is not considered a significant allergen.
Edibility: While generally safe, large amounts of peppermint oil can be harmful to individuals with certain health conditions.

How to identify it

Opposite, lance shaped leaves
Serrated leaf margins
Square stems
Spikes of tiny lavender flowers

Height: 0.3 to 0.9m
Spread: 0.6 to 3m
Leaves: bright green, deciduous
Flowers: lavender, pink, white, 0.2 to 0.5cm

Problems to watch for

AphidsCommon
Mint RustCommon
Powdery MildewUncommon
Root RotUncommon
Spider MitesUncommon
Verticillium WiltRare

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, cuttings
When to plant: spring, fall
Overwintering: The foliage will die back to the ground in winter. You can mulch the base if you live in a very cold climate, but it will return from the roots in spring.
In containers: It is excellent for containers, which is the recommended way to grow it to prevent invasive spreading.

Division

1. Dig up a section of the root mass in spring.
2. Use a sharp spade to cut the clump into smaller pieces.
3. Replant the sections in moist soil.

Cuttings

1. Snip a 10 cm stem cutting just below a leaf node.
2. Place the cutting in a glass of water.
3. Once roots appear, transplant into soil.

Keep mint in its own container to prevent it from outcompeting your other vegetables.

Grows well with

Tomato — Mint is often said to improve the flavor of nearby tomatoes.
Cabbage — The strong scent of mint can help deter cabbage moths.

Similar species

Peppermint — It is a hybrid with a much higher menthol content.
Apple Mint — It has fuzzy leaves and a distinct fruity scent.

Science

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Mentha
Order: Lamiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Europe and temperate Asia.
Conservation: This species is widespread and not of conservation concern.

It thrives in moist, disturbed soils near water bodies where it can spread rapidly via rhizomes.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, attracts beneficial insects
Pollinators: bees, butterflies, moths
Uses: culinary herb, tea, garnish, ground cover

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Light: 6/9
Nutrients: 6/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 7/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How do I stop it from taking over my garden?: Always plant it in a container or a bottomless pot buried in the ground to restrict the roots.
Can I grow it indoors?: Yes, it grows well on a sunny windowsill with consistent moisture.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Mentha comes from the Greek nymph Minthe, while spicata refers to the spike like flower clusters.

Good to know

Spearmint has been used for centuries to freshen breath.
It is a very aggressive grower that spreads by underground runners.
The name comes from the spear shaped leaves.
It is a key ingredient in many classic cocktails.

Also in

Deer-resistant plants

Keep your spearmint growing

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.