Spearmint.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Herbaceous perennial

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 3 to 7 days

Mature size

Up to 1 meter tall and wide

Growth rate

fast

Hardiness

USDA 3 to 10

Bloom time

Summer

Care

Spearmint thrives in moist soil and prefers regular watering to prevent drying out. Pinching back regularly encourages bushier growth and prevents it from becoming leggy. Watch for signs of powdery mildew, especially in crowded conditions.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Feeding

Fertilize lightly in spring and mid-summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer to support growth.

Pruning

Pinch back stems regularly to encourage bushiness and harvest leaves; prune back hard in late fall or early spring.

Repotting

Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound, preferably in spring.

Soil

Rich, moist, well-drained soil

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

Temperature

-34 to 35°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Safety

People

The leaves and essential oil are generally considered safe for consumption in culinary amounts. However, concentrated essential oil should be used with caution.

Pets

Non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

Small children might be sensitive to the strong flavor of mint; use in moderation for young children.

Edibility

While mint is generally safe, consuming excessive amounts could potentially cause digestive upset.

How to identify it

• Square stems
• Toothed, lance-shaped leaves
• Spikes of small flowers
• Aromatic, minty scent
• Spreading growth habit

Height

0.3 to 1m

Spread

0.3 to 1m

Leaves

Green, semi-evergreen

Flowers

White, Pink, Lavender, 0.2 to 0.5cm

Common problems

• Rust — Orange-red pustules on leaves and stems, caused by a fungus that thrives in humid conditions.
• Mint rust — Puccinia spp. can cause significant defoliation and weakening of the plant.
• Aphids — Small, pear-shaped insects that feed on plant sap, causing distorted growth and yellowing leaves.
• Spider mites — Tiny arachnids that create fine webbing and cause stippling on leaves due to their feeding.
• Spittlebugs — Nymphs produce frothy spittle masses on stems and leaves, which can reduce plant vigor.
• Powdery mildew — A white, powdery fungus that grows on leaves and stems, typically in dry, humid conditions.

Growing it

Propagation

Cuttings, Division, Seed

When to plant

Spring, Summer, Fall

Mint spreads rapidly, so consider planting it in containers or using root barriers to keep it from taking over your garden beds.

Grows well with

• Tomatoes — Mint can help deter some common tomato pests like aphids.
• Cabbage — The strong scent of mint may confuse or deter cabbage moths.
• Carrots — Mint is thought to repel the carrot rust fly.
• Broccoli — Its strong aroma can help mask the scent of broccoli, deterring pests.

Keep away from

• Parsley — Mint can be overly aggressive and may crowd out more delicate herbs like parsley.
• Chamomile — Mint's vigorous growth can overwhelm and compete with chamomile for resources.

Similar species

• Peppermint — Peppermint has a similar growth habit and appearance but is known for its stronger, more pungent menthol flavor.
• Apple Mint — Apple mint has a softer, fuzzier leaf texture and a mild, fruity scent reminiscent of apples.
• Chocolate Mint — This cultivar has a subtle chocolatey aroma and flavor alongside the typical minty notes.

Science

Family

Lamiaceae

Genus

Mentha

Order

Lamiales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Mediterranean region

Conservation

Not of conservation concern.

Spearmint thrives in moist, well-drained soils and can form dense colonies in its native habitats.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, pollen source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

culinary, medicinal, aromatic, tea

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How tall does spearmint get?

Spearmint typically grows to be about 1 to 3 feet tall.

Does spearmint like sun or shade?

It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.

How often should I water spearmint?

Keep the soil consistently moist, watering when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Can spearmint be grown in pots?

Yes, spearmint does very well in containers, which also helps manage its spread.

When is the best time to harvest spearmint?

You can harvest leaves throughout the growing season, preferably in the morning after the dew has dried.

Where the name comes from

The common name 'spearmint' likely comes from its narrow, spear-shaped leaves. The scientific name 'spicata' is Latin for 'spiked,' referring to its flower spikes.

Good to know

• Spearmint is one of the most common mint varieties grown for culinary use.
• Its refreshing scent is often used in toothpaste and chewing gum.
• Historically, mint was used as a symbol of hospitality.
• The plant can spread aggressively through its rhizomes.