Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
Spearmint is a vigorous, perennial herb known for its refreshing, mildly sweet flavor and bright green, lance-shaped leaves. Thriving in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils, spearmint can grow up to 2 feet tall and spreads quickly, making it ideal for containers or areas where you want ground coverage. Its fragrant leaves are commonly used in culinary dishes, teas, and beverages, while its spikes of small lavender flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. With its versatility in the kitchen and ease of growth, spearmint is a must-have for any herb garden.
NAME: Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
VARIETY: Spearmint
DAYS TO MATURITY: 70 – 90 days
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Perennial
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 3 – 11
SUNLIGHT: Full Sun – Partial Shade
SOIL: Average, loose soil with a pH 6.0 – 7.0
PLANT HEIGHT: 12 – 24 inches
SPACING: 12 – 24 inches apart
TEMP: 35 – 95ºF
These seeds do not required stratification.
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
Direct sowing or propagation by cuttings is often recommended for spearmint, but seeds can also be started indoors.
If starting indoors, begin 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
Sow seeds on the surface of seed-starting trays with a well-draining mix. Lightly press them into the soil, but do not cover them as they need light for germination.
Maintain a soil temperature of 65-70°F. Germination typically occurs within 12-21 days.
Thin seedlings to one per cell and gradually introduce them to outdoor conditions for about a week before transplanting.
When transplanting, space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for their spreading growth.
Direct sowing is ideal for spearmint, especially once the soil has warmed in spring.
Choose a sunny or partially shaded, well-drained location, and scatter seeds on the soil surface, pressing them lightly without covering.
Water regularly to keep the soil moist until germination, which usually occurs within 12-21 days.
Light: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, needing around 4-6 hours of sunlight daily.
Soil: Prefers rich, moist, and well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Water: Water regularly to maintain consistently moist soil, especially in dry conditions. Avoid waterlogged soil to prevent root rot.
Fertilization: Spearmint doesn’t need heavy fertilization; a small amount of compost in spring or a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season is sufficient.
Pruning: Regular pruning encourages bushier growth. Pinch back the tips regularly to prevent flowering and maintain the best flavor.
Containment: Spearmint is known for its vigorous growth and spreading habits. To control its spread, consider planting it in containers or raised beds.
Leaf Harvesting: Once plants reach about 4-6 inches in height, you can begin harvesting leaves by snipping stems above a set of leaves. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and bushier plants.
Flower Harvesting: For culinary or ornamental purposes, harvest flower spikes when they’re fully open by cutting the flower stalks close to the main stems.
