Mentha spicata aka Spearmint
Taxonomy
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 MintHow to care for Spearmint
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Spearmint is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
Spearmint should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
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.
Lighting
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.
Dormancy
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.
Toxicity
Spearmint is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
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.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the Spearmint as it grows vertically.
Region of origin
Spearmint’s native range is Worldwide.
Flower
Yes, if you provide your Spearmint with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Mentha Genus
Mentha pulegium Pennyroyal
Mentha suavis Sweet Mint
Mentha spicata Spearmint
Mentha cervina Hart's Pennyroyal
Mentha requienii Corsican Mint
Mentha piperata Berries And Cream Mint
Mentha longifolia Wild Mint
Mentha villosa Apple Mint
Mentha suaveolens Apple Mint
