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Plant Information

Scientific Name:	Mentha Spicata
Family Name:	Lamiaceae
Common Name(s):	Spearmint, Garden Mint, Common Mint, Lamb Mint, & Green Mint
Size:	Typically grows to a height of about 30 to 100 centimeters (12 to 39 inches). It spreads vigorously and can cover substantial areas through its underground rhizomes.
Plant Type:	Perennial Herb/Ground Cover
Origin/Geographic Distribution:	Mentha spicata, or spearmint, is believed to have originated in Europe and parts of Asia. It is widely distributed across the temperate regions of Europe, western and central Asia, and the Mediterranean area.
Native to:	Native to Europe and parts of Asia.
Native range in the USA:	Thrives in various environments across the U.S., particularly in moist, temperate areas where it can often be found growing in gardens, along streams, and in other wet habitats. Its adaptability has allowed it to establish itself in many areas across the country, though it is important to manage its growth as it can become invasive under favorable conditions.
Conservation Status:	Does not currently have a designated conservation status under major international bodies. It is not listed as endangered or threatened.

Cultivation

Planting:	When planting spearmint, give it room to spread as it can become invasive. Planting in pots or containers, or using barriers in the ground, can help control its spread.
Sun Exposure:	Full sun to partial shade. While it can tolerate some shade, more sunlight encourages stronger growth and more vigorous flavor in the leaves.
Soil Type:	Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, but drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
Soil pH:	Typically between 6.0 and 7.5
Water Requirements:	Regular watering is important, especially in dry conditions. Spearmint likes consistently moist soil, so it's important not to let it dry out completely.
Fertilizer Requirements:	Mint doesn’t require much fertilization. A light application of a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in spring can be sufficient. Blog post on Natural Fertilizers
Pruning Requirements:	Cutting back the flowering stems will encourage more leaf growth. Spearmint tends to spread vigorously; regular pruning helps control its growth and prevents it from overtaking other plants.
Growth Rate:	Fast

Tolerance and Hardiness

Drought Tolerance:	Spearmint (Mentha spicata) has moderate drought tolerance. While it prefers consistently moist soil to thrive and produce the best flavor in its leaves, it can withstand short periods of dry conditions. However, for optimal growth and to maintain the quality of the plant, regular watering is important, especially in hot and dry climates.
Frost Tolerance:	It can survive winter temperatures as low as -40°F to -30°F (-40°C to -34°C). In colder climates, mint will die back to the ground in winter but typically returns in the spring. Mulching over the root area can help protect it in winter.
Heat Tolerance:	Spearmint (Mentha spicata) thrives in a wide range of temperatures, typically between 55°F (13°C) and 85°F (29°C). This range provides optimal conditions for growth, where the plant can develop its best flavor and robust foliage. However, spearmint is fairly adaptable and can tolerate temperatures outside this ideal range:
Wind Tolerance:	Mint plants have relatively flexible stems and leaves, which can usually withstand moderate winds without breaking. However, prolonged exposure to strong winds can cause physical damage, dry out the plant more quickly, and lead to stress.
Salt Tolerance:	Has a relatively low tolerance to salt, which is a common limitation for many members of the mint family. High salinity levels in soil or water can adversely affect its growth, leading to reduced vigor, leaf burn, and even plant death in severe cases.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones:	3a to 10

Flower and Fruit Information

Fruit Type:	None
Harvest Time:	The optimal time to harvest spearmint leaves is just before the plant starts to flower, when the leaves contain the highest concentration of essential oils, which means the flavor is at its peak. This usually occurs in late spring or early summer, depending on your climate. For the best flavor, harvest spearmint leaves in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun becomes too hot. This helps ensure that the leaves retain their maximum oil content and freshness.
Edible Plant:	Yes
Edible Parts:	Leaves, Flowers, & Young tender stems
Medicinal:	Spearmint leaves are used for their medicinal properties, such as aiding digestion and relieving symptoms of nausea or hiccups.
Flower Color:	Are typically pale pink or lilac. The light, subtle hues of the flowers add a splash of color to the green foliage of the spearmint plant, making them a visually appealing addition to the garden. These colors can vary slightly depending on the specific variety of spearmint and the growing conditions.
Flower Shape:	The flowers are small and shaped like tiny tubes or trumpets. They bloom in clusters along slender, upright spikes known as inflorescences. Each individual flower consists of a tubular corolla that opens up into four lobes at the end, typical of many members of the mint family. This structure is not only attractive but also functional, facilitating easy access for pollinators such as bees, which are attracted to the flowers for their nectar. The arrangement of the flowers along the spike is somewhat dense, giving the inflorescence a full, lush appearance when in full bloom.
Fragrance:	The fragrance of spearmint flower is subtly sweet and minty, less intense than the aromatic leaves but with a delicate floral undertone that adds a light, refreshing scent to the air when in bloom. This gentle fragrance is particularly inviting to pollinators and adds a pleasant aspect to garden spaces.
Flower Bloom Time:	Appear in mid to late summer, around June to September
Bloom Duration:	Typically lasts several weeks. Regularly removing spent flowers (deadheading) can encourage the plant to continue producing new flowers, potentially extending the blooming period.
Pollination: Self or Other?	Does not typically self-pollinate effectively. Mint is generally sterile, meaning it does not produce viable seeds easily, and as such, it does not rely on self-pollination or even traditional cross-pollination for reproduction. Instead, peppermint primarily reproduces vegetatively through runners or stolons, which are horizontal stems that grow at the soil surface or just below it and root at the nodes.

Wildlife

Pollinators:	Bees, Butterflies, & Moths
Problematic Pest:	Aphids, spider mites, & caterpillars Blog post on how to control pest
Attracts:	Ladybugs, lacewings, hoverflies, & birds

Health and Safety

Toxic:	No
Toxic to Humans:	No
Toxic to Animals:	Spearmint is less toxic than some other plants, but it still contains essential oils and compounds like salicylates that can be irritating or mildly toxic if ingested in significant amounts.
Plant Diseases to be aware of:	Spearmint (Mentha spicata), like many other plants, can be susceptible to several diseases, particularly when grown in conditions that are not ideal. Here are some common diseases to watch out for: 1. Powdery Mildew Symptoms: White or gray powdery spots on the leaves and stems. Management: Improve air circulation around the plants, avoid overhead watering, and prune infected areas. Fungicidal sprays may be used as a preventive measure in severe cases. 2. Rust Symptoms: Small orange or brown spots on the undersides of leaves, which can cause leaves to drop prematurely. Management: Remove and destroy infected leaves, and ensure plants are not too densely packed to improve air circulation. Fungicide applications can help control severe infections. 3. Verticillium Wilt Symptoms: Wilted leaves, often starting at the base of the plant, and discoloration of the stem interior. Management: There is no effective treatment once a plant is infected. Remove and destroy affected plants, and plant mint in a different location with disease-free soil. 4. Mint Anthracnose Symptoms: Dark brown to black spots on leaves which may coalesce into larger lesions, leading to leaf fall. Management: Remove affected plant parts and avoid overhead watering to reduce moisture on foliage. Applying fungicides can also be considered in recurrent cases. 5. Root Rot Symptoms: Stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing leaves, often with a decayed root system. Management: Ensure good drainage in the soil, avoid overwatering, and consider using a fungicide if the infection is not too advanced. Prevention Tips: Good Hygiene: Regularly clean up plant debris around the mint to prevent the build-up of fungal spores. Proper Spacing: Space plants adequately to ensure good air circulation, which helps minimize humidity and reduces the risk of fungal infections. Watering Practices: Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and reduce the likelihood of fungal diseases.

Mint (Mentha Spicata) 'Spearmint'

Mentha spicata, commonly known as spearmint, is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia but has since spread to many parts of the world. Known for its distinctively refreshing and mildly sweet flavor, spearmint has been a favorite in culinary and medicinal applications since ancient times. It is believed to have been cultivated by the ancient Greeks and Romans and was brought to North America by European settlers in the 18th century.

Spearmint plants are characterized by their bright green, sharply serrated leaves that may display a slightly fuzzy texture. The plant grows vigorously and spreads through runners, making it easy to cultivate in a variety of garden settings. Throughout the summer, spearmint produces small pink or white flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

As a robust perennial, spearmint can become invasive if not properly managed. It thrives best in moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial to full sunlight, though it is quite adaptable to different environmental conditions.

Culinary uses of spearmint are extensive; its leaves can be used fresh or dried in teas, beverages, desserts, and savory dishes where a minty freshness is desired. Spearmint also has a long-standing role in traditional herbal medicine, where it is valued for its digestive benefits, including relief from nausea and indigestion, and its soothing properties.

In addition to its practical uses, spearmint is popular in gardens and indoor pots for its aromatic leaves and attractive appearance. Care for spearmint involves straightforward maintenance once established. Regular watering and occasional trimming to prevent it from overtaking garden spaces are the main tasks. Spearmint can also be easily propagated from cuttings or by dividing the roots, allowing gardeners to easily spread and share the plant.

Overall, Mentha spicata, or spearmint, offers a combination of aesthetic and practical benefits, making it a favored choice among gardeners, cooks, and herbalists alike.

Companion Planting

Companion planting with Spearmint can be beneficial for several reasons, including repelling pests, enhancing flavor, and optimizing garden space. However, because mint can be quite invasive and competitive for nutrients and space, it's crucial to choose companions carefully or consider containing the mint to prevent it from overwhelming other plants. Here are some good companion planting options for Spearmint:

Good Companions for Spearmint

Tomatoes: Mint can help repel pests like aphids and the tomato hornworm. The strong scent of mint is thought to confuse pests and deter them from neighboring plants.
Cabbage and Brassicas: Mint helps deter cabbage moths and other pests that typically affect broccoli, kale, and other members of the cabbage family.
Peas and Beans: Mint can deter pests that typically bother legumes, such as various types of beetles and aphids.
Carrots: The strong aroma of mint can help mask the scent of carrots, potentially protecting them from carrot flies.
Alliums (Onions, Garlic, etc.): Mint can complement these plants by deterring aphids and other pests with its strong scent.

Plants to Avoid Planting Near Mint

Parsley: It can compete with mint for space and nutrients, and they might not thrive when planted too closely due to similar requirements.
Cucumbers: Mint might overtake the space needed for cucumbers to spread.

Tips for Companion Planting with Mint

Use Containers: To prevent mint from spreading aggressively and overtaking companion plants, consider planting it in containers. You can even bury the containers in the ground to keep the roots contained while allowing the benefits of its aroma to affect nearby plants.
Regular Pruning: Keep mint pruned and harvested regularly to control its growth and prevent it from shading or crowding out other plants.
Consider Mint Varieties: Some mint varieties might be less aggressive than others, so choosing a variety that is easier to control can also be beneficial for companion planting.

By carefully managing spearmint and selecting compatible companion plants, you can enhance your garden's productivity and health.