Mentha spicata aka Spearmint

Taxonomy ID: 1311

Spearmint (Mentha spicata), also known as garden mint, common mint, lamb mint and mackerel mint, is a species of mint native to Europe and southern temperate Asia, extending from Ireland in the west to southern China in the east, and naturalized in many other temperate parts of the world, including northern and southern Africa, North America, and South America. Easy to grow and used both fresh and dry, Spearmint has no rivals among the herbs you can cultivate. Named for its spear-shaped leaves, it is commonly used in herbal medicine, flavoring in food and jelly, herbal teas, cocktails, and aromatic oil in cosmetics. Its essential oils may be toxic in enormous quantities, but also have anti-microbial properties, may be as effective as penicillin!

Common names

Spearmint, Wild Mint, Garden Mint

More information about Spearmint

How difficult is it to take care of Spearmint

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Spearmint is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

What is the growth pattern and size of Spearmint?

New growth will sprout from the top of the Spearmint as it grows vertically.

What is the region of origin of Spearmint

Spearmint’s native range is Worldwide.

What are the water needs for Spearmint

Spearmint should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the right soil for Spearmint

Spearmint loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

What is the sunlight requirement for Spearmint

To ensure optimal growth, the Spearmint prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

What's the right humidity for Spearmint

The Spearmint does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

Is Spearmint toxic to humans/pets?

Spearmint is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

What seasonal care does Spearmint need?

During the cold period, it is common for Spearmint to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Is Spearmint flowering?

Yes, if you provide your Spearmint with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.

More info:
Wikipedia