Mentha spicata
TAXONOMY
FamilyLamiaceae
GenusMentha
Zone5
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Mentha spicata, commonly known as spearmint, is a perennial herb in the family Lamiaceae. It is native to Europe and temperate regions of Asia, but it is now widely cultivated in many parts of the world. Spearmint is known for its aromatic leaves, which are used in culinary dishes, teas, and essential oils. The plant has a creeping rhizome and can spread rapidly in suitable conditions.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Garden Mint
Spearmint
Wild Mint
Mentha balsamea
Mentha cordato-ovata
Mentha crispata var. lacerata
Mentha lacerata
Mentha lejeunei
Mentha longifolia subsp. undulata
Mentha longifolia subsp. viridis
Mentha longifolia var. crispata
Mentha longifolia var. piperella
Mentha longifolia var. undulata
Mentha mollissima var. undulata
Mentha pectinata
Mentha ×piperita var. inarimensis
Mentha romana
Mentha rubicunda
Mentha spicata var. spicata
Mentha sylvestris var. glabrata
Mentha sylvestris var. oblongifolia
Mentha viridis f. latifolia
Mentha viridis subsp. angustifolia
Mentha viridis subsp. crispata
Mentha viridis subsp. euryphylla
Mentha viridis subsp. exquisita
Mentha viridis subsp. inarimensis
Mentha viridis subsp. malinvaldii
Mentha viridis var. allodonta
Mentha viridis var. angustifolia
Mentha viridis var. cordato-ovata
Mentha viridis var. exquisita
Mentha viridis var. glabrata
Mentha viridis var. holotilta
Mentha viridis var. hortensis
Mentha viridis var. jaccardii
Mentha viridis var. lacerata
Mentha viridis var. laetivridis
Mentha viridis var. laevigata
Mentha viridis var. lampreilema
Mentha viridis var. lejeuneana
Mentha viridis var. macrostemma
Mentha viridis var. maderensis
Mentha viridis var. malinvaldii
Mentha viridis var. ocymiodora
Mentha viridis var. oligotricha
Mentha viridis var. phaneroneura
Mentha viridis var. phyllopogon
Mentha viridis var. piperella
Mentha viridis var. sinuosa
Mentha viridis var. spadana
Mentha viridis var. stenophyllon
Mentha viridis var. tauscheri
Mentha viridis var. tenuiflora
Mentha viridis var. tenuis
Mentha viridis var. walteriana
OVERVIEW
WaterWet
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity60%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
WANT MORE TIPS?
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Spearmint thrives in moderate temperatures and prefers bright, indirect light. It requires regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. The plant benefits from moderate humidity and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth.Soil
Spearmint prefers well-draining loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 can be applied during the growing season to promote healthy growth. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks for best results.Repotting
Repot spearmint every 1-2 years or when the plant outgrows its container. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage. Gently remove the plant from its current pot, loosen the roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil.Propagation
Spearmint can be easily propagated through stem cuttings or by dividing the root clumps. Take cuttings in the spring or early summer and place them in water or moist soil until roots develop. For division, dig up the plant and separate the root clumps, then replant them in new locations.Pruning
Regular pruning is essential for spearmint to prevent it from becoming leggy and to encourage bushier growth. Prune the plant back by about one-third in early spring and remove any dead or damaged stems throughout the growing season.Toxicity
Spearmint is generally non-toxic to pets and humans. However, excessive consumption of the essential oil can cause gastrointestinal issues. It is always best to use the plant in moderation.Additional
Spearmint can be invasive if not properly managed, so consider planting it in containers or using barriers to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably in the garden.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
