Spearmint
Mentha spicata
An herbaceous perennial plant with upright stems, opposite, lance-shaped, serrated green leaves, and terminal spikes of pink or white flowers.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, requiring about 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Water
- Requires regular and consistent watering to keep the soil moist. It has low drought tolerance and will show wilting and leaf drop if allowed to dry out completely.
- Growth
- Herbaceous perennial with an aggressive, spreading growth habit via underground rhizomes. Reaches a mature height of 1 to 2 feet and spreads indefinitely if not contained.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade. Keep the soil consistently moist by watering when the top inch becomes dry. Use rich, well-draining soil with a neutral pH, and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the active growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, requiring about 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering
Requires regular and consistent watering to keep the soil moist. It has low drought tolerance and will show wilting and leaf drop if allowed to dry out completely.
Soil
Prefers rich, loamy, well-draining soil with an optimal pH range between 6.0 and 7.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9, demonstrating strong cold tolerance.
Growth habit
Herbaceous perennial with an aggressive, spreading growth habit via underground rhizomes. Reaches a mature height of 1 to 2 feet and spreads indefinitely if not contained.
Bloom season
Blooms from mid-summer to early autumn, producing dense terminal spikes of small, tubular pink, white, or light purple flowers.
Propagation
Easily propagated through root division, stem cuttings placed in water or soil, or by separating underground runners during the spring growing season.
Common pests & issues
Prone to fungal issues like rust and powdery mildew in humid conditions, as well as aphid infestations. Prevent by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Similar species
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita), which can be distinguished by its petioled leaves and more pungent aroma, and Water Mint (Mentha aquatica), which features rounder leaves and dense, globular flower heads.