Herbs · Tea HerbsMentha spicata

Spearmint

The classic mint for tea with a sweeter, less menthol-intense flavor than peppermint, essential for Moroccan mint tea and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Partial Sun (3-6h)High (consistent moisture)30 daysDifficultyBeginner Friendly
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Spearmint
Sow & harvest reminderstuned to your local frost dates
Spearmint × Parsley — keep apart
Sunlight
Partial Sun (3-6h)
Water Need
High (consistent moisture)
Frost Tolerance
Hardy (withstands frost)
Days to Maturity
30 days
Plant Spacing
45 cm
18 in
Hardiness Zones
Zone 3–10
USDA
Difficulty
Beginner Friendly
Expected Yield
200-400g
On this pageOverview
01 · Overview

Meet Spearmint

The classic mint for tea with a sweeter, less menthol-intense flavor than peppermint, essential for Moroccan mint tea and Middle Eastern cuisine. Spearmint's gentle flavor makes it the preferred variety for culinary use in sauces, salads, and fresh spring rolls. Contain in pots and harvest frequently, as the vigorous runners will colonize any available ground.

30
days from seed to your first harvest. Time your whole season around it — sow, feed and pick dates all key off this one number.
02 · When to plant

When to plant Spearmint

While spearmint can be grown from seed, division and cuttings are far easier and more reliable. Seeds are tiny and germination is erratic—sow on the surface of moist compost without covering, at 18-22°C. Keep consistently moist and expect germination in 10-15 days. Seedlings grow slowly and may not come true to type. For the fastest results, divide established plants in spring or autumn by cutting sections of runner with roots attached—these establish almost instantly. Stem cuttings root readily in water in just 5-7 days and can then be potted up or planted out.

Planting & harvest schedule

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Your last frostApr 16 · average for your zone
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First harvestApr 14 · from sowing to first pick
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03 · Growing guide

How to grow Spearmint

Spearmint is one of the world's most popular and widely cultivated herbs, grown on every continent for its sweet, fresh flavor that is milder and more versatile than peppermint. A vigorous perennial growing 30-90cm tall with bright green, serrated leaves and whorls of pink or lilac flowers in summer, spearmint is virtually indestructible once established. Its spreading stolons make it both a blessing and a challenge in the garden.

Grow spearmint in partial to full sun in moist, fertile soil. It is one of the few herbs that thrives in damp conditions and partial shade, making it ideal for spots where other herbs would struggle. The most important cultivation consideration is containment—spearmint spreads aggressively by underground runners and will quickly colonize entire beds if not controlled. Plant in a large pot sunk into the ground with the rim 3cm above soil level, or grow in freestanding containers.

Harvest frequently and hard to encourage continuous fresh growth and prevent the plant from becoming woody and sparse at the base. Cut stems back by two-thirds regularly throughout the growing season. In winter, the plant dies back to ground level and resprouts vigorously in spring. Divide congested clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor and prevent the center from dying out.

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04 · Companions

Spearmint's best neighbours

Spearmint is a beneficial companion for tomatoes, cabbage, and peas, as its strong scent helps deter aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage moths. However, it must be contained to prevent it from overwhelming neighboring plants. Plant potted spearmint among vegetable beds for pest deterrence without the risk of invasion. Spearmint attracts hoverflies and other beneficial insects whose larvae consume aphids. Avoid planting near parsley and chamomile, which are reported to have negative interactions with mint. The strong fragrance of spearmint planted near doorways also helps repel ants and flies.

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05 · Soil & feeding

Feed it well

Spearmint is undemanding about soil and grows in virtually any fertile, moist garden soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. It performs best in rich, moisture-retentive soil with plenty of organic matter. Unlike most herbs, spearmint does not require sharp drainage and actually prefers consistently moist conditions. Incorporate compost before planting and top-dress with compost or aged manure annually in spring. Feed container plants fortnightly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Spearmint in poor soil produces smaller, less flavorful leaves.

Ideal Temperature

13°C – 21°C
5°C13°C22°C30°C

Hardiness Zone Compatibility

12345678910111213
Ideal (zones 3-10)Greenhouse / protection neededNot recommended
06 · Growth stages

From seed to harvest, stage by stage

0–14 days

Propagation

Spearmint is best propagated from stem cuttings or root divisions rather than seed. Place 10-15 cm cuttings in water until roots appear, or separate rooted sections from an established plant's crown. Seeds are very small and germinate unevenly over 10-14 days at 20-24°C.

14–35 days

Seedling Establishment

Young spearmint plants produce their first true leaves with the characteristic pointed, serrated shape. The square stems typical of the Lamiaceae family become visible. Root systems begin establishing and the first faint spearmint fragrance develops in the foliage.

35–60 days

Vegetative Growth

Spearmint enters rapid above-ground growth, producing lush foliage and beginning to extend underground stolons. Stems branch freely and the plant develops a bushy habit. Essential oil production increases and leaves become highly aromatic.

60–90 days

Mature Growth & Spreading

The plant reaches full size at 30-60 cm tall and spreads vigorously through underground runners. New shoots emerge well beyond the original planting site. Leaf flavor and aroma reach peak intensity just before flower buds form.

90–120 days

Flowering

Slender terminal flower spikes develop with whorls of small pink to lilac blossoms. The flowers are rich in nectar and attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Leaf flavor becomes slightly bitter and less sweet once flowering is well underway.

120–365 days

Dormancy

After the first hard frost, spearmint dies back to ground level. The extensive root network and stolons survive underground through winter, even in very cold climates. In mild regions, spearmint may retain some green foliage year-round.

Care Tip

Keep propagation medium consistently moist and warm. Cover seed trays with a humidity dome or plastic wrap until seedlings emerge to maintain even moisture.

Young spearmint seedlings with tiny aromatic leaves emerging from moist potting soil
Spearmint seedlings developing their first pairs of fragrant true leaves
07 · Monthly care

Caring for Spearmint month by month

What to do each month for your Spearmint

July

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No specific care tasks for this month.

08 · Harvest

Harvesting Spearmint

Harvest spearmint leaves and stem tips continuously from spring through autumn. The most flavorful harvest comes just before the plant flowers, when essential oil content is highest. Cut stems to about 5cm above ground level for major harvests, or pick individual leaves and sprigs as needed for daily use. Morning harvesting after dew has dried yields the best flavor. Spearmint recovers quickly from heavy harvesting and will produce 3-4 major cuts per growing season in productive conditions. Remove flower buds as they appear to prolong leafy growth.

A freshly cut bundle of spearmint stems tied with twine on a rustic wooden surface
Harvesting spearmint regularly promotes continuous new growth and peak flavor
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Harvest windowJul 15, 2024Aug 14, 2024
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Storage & Preservation

Fresh spearmint keeps for up to a week with stems in a glass of water on the kitchen counter or wrapped in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator. For long-term storage, dry stems by hanging in bunches in a warm, dark, well-ventilated room for 5-7 days. Strip dried leaves from stems and store in airtight glass jars—dried spearmint retains good flavor for 12-18 months. Spearmint also freezes well: chop leaves and freeze in ice cube trays with water or olive oil for convenient cooking portions. Leaves can be preserved in sugar, vinegar, or as a simple syrup for beverages.

09 · Pests

What goes wrong — and the fix

Mint Rust

Disease

Orange-brown pustules on stems and leaf undersides in spring, progressing to dark brown spots. Severely infected plants become stunted with distorted growth.

Prevention Avoid overhead watering. Ensure good air circulation by thinning crowded growth. Remove and destroy any infected stems immediately.
Fix: Cut all stems to ground level and destroy the removed material—do not compost. New growth often emerges clean. For persistent rust, heat-treat roots by immersing dormant rootstock in hot water (44°C) for 10 minutes to kill fungal spores.

Aphids

Pest

Clusters of green or black insects on shoot tips and leaf undersides, causing curling and distorted new growth. Sticky honeydew on lower foliage.

Prevention Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and hoverflies. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization that produces soft, sappy growth.
Fix: Blast with a strong jet of water from the hose. Spray with insecticidal soap if infestations are heavy. Cut back affected stems and allow clean regrowth.

Spider Mites

Pest

Fine stippling on leaves giving a bronzed appearance, fine webbing on leaf undersides. Occurs primarily in hot, dry conditions, especially on container plants.

Prevention Keep spearmint well-watered and mist foliage in dry weather. Move container plants to shadier, cooler positions during heat waves.
Fix: Spray leaf undersides with a strong jet of water. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Cut back affected growth and improve growing conditions with more moisture and humidity.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

The number one problem with spearmint is its invasive spreading through underground stolons—it can take over entire garden beds within a single season. Always contain in pots or use root barriers. Mint rust is the most serious disease; treat by cutting all growth to the ground and destroying infected material. Woody, sparse plants with poor flavor result from infrequent harvesting—cut hard and often to maintain vigorous young growth. In very hot climates, spearmint may struggle in full sun; provide afternoon shade and extra moisture. Flea beetles can riddle leaves with tiny holes in spring.

Growing Tips

  1. Always grow spearmint in containers or behind buried root barriers at least 30 cm deep to prevent its aggressive stolons from taking over neighboring garden beds.
  2. Harvest by cutting stems just above a leaf node, which stimulates two new branches to sprout from that point and results in a bushier, more productive plant.
  3. Provide partial shade for the best leaf flavor and aroma. Full sun is tolerated but can cause leaves to become tough and less fragrant, especially in hot climates.
  4. Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Spearmint is one of the few herbs that actually prefers higher moisture levels than most culinary herbs.
  5. Propagate effortlessly by placing 10-15 cm stem cuttings in a jar of water on a windowsill. Healthy roots will develop within one to two weeks.
  6. Cut the entire plant back to about 5 cm above soil level two or three times per season to force vigorous flushes of tender, highly aromatic new foliage.
  7. Watch for mint rust, visible as small orange pustules on leaf undersides. Remove affected stems immediately and avoid wetting the foliage when watering to prevent spread.
  8. Keep different mint varieties in separate containers at least one meter apart to prevent cross-pollination, which can produce offspring with unpredictable and often inferior flavors.
  9. Rejuvenate container-grown spearmint every two to three years by dividing the root mass, discarding the woody center portion, and replanting vigorous outer sections in fresh potting mix.
  10. Preserve the harvest by freezing whole leaves in ice cube trays topped with water or olive oil, or by hanging small bundles upside down in a warm, airy spot to dry.
10 · Varieties

Pick your Spearmint

Common Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

The standard culinary spearmint with bright green serrated leaves and a sweet, clean mint flavor. The most widely grown variety for tea and cooking.

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Kentucky Colonel Spearmint

The classic julep mint with large, rounded, crinkled leaves and a particularly sweet, refined flavor. Essential for authentic mint juleps.

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Moroccan Mint (Mentha spicata var. crispa 'Nana')

The traditional variety for Moroccan mint tea, with compact growth, small curled leaves, and an intensely sweet flavor ideal for tea service.

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Tashkent Spearmint

A vigorous variety from Central Asia with large leaves and a robust spearmint flavor, widely used in Uzbek and Central Asian cuisine for tea and dishes.

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Why Grow Your Own?

A single spearmint plant costs $3-5 and provides a virtually unlimited fresh supply for years with minimal care. Fresh spearmint at grocery stores typically costs $2-4 per small bunch, while dried spearmint runs $5-9 per jar. A well-maintained plant easily saves $60-100 annually for anyone who regularly uses fresh mint in cooking, teas, or cocktails. Since spearmint spreads so readily, you can share divisions with fellow gardeners at no additional cost.

11 · Recipes

Quick recipes

Classic Spearmint Iced Tea

Classic Spearmint Iced Tea

10 minutes

A naturally sweet, caffeine-free iced tea made with freshly picked spearmint leaves. The gentle flavor of spearmint needs little to no added sweetener, making this a healthy and refreshing warm-weather drink.

4 ingredients
Spearmint Tabbouleh

Spearmint Tabbouleh

20 minutes

A bright, herbaceous Middle Eastern salad where spearmint plays a starring role alongside parsley and bulgur wheat. The fresh mint lifts the dish with its sweet aroma and cool finish.

7 ingredients
Spearmint Yogurt Dip

Spearmint Yogurt Dip

5 minutes

A cool and creamy dip inspired by Indian raita, combining spearmint with yogurt and a hint of cumin. Perfect alongside grilled meats, flatbreads, or as a dip for fresh vegetables.

6 ingredients

Culinary Uses

Spearmint is the world's most popular culinary mint, preferred over peppermint for cooking due to its sweeter, less menthol-heavy flavor. It is essential for Moroccan mint tea, tabbouleh, tzatziki, raita, mint sauce for lamb, and Southeast Asian spring rolls and salads. Muddle in cocktails like mojitos and juleps, or blend into smoothies and lemonade. Use in fruit salads, pea soup, and with new potatoes. Spearmint pairs beautifully with chocolate, watermelon, and strawberries in desserts. Fresh sprigs make an aromatic garnish for any plate.

12 · Nutrition

What's inside

Per 100g serving
44
Calories
Vitamin C13.3
Vitamin A4054
Potassium458
Fiber6.8

Health Benefits

  • Soothes digestive discomfort including bloating, nausea, and indigestion by relaxing smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract and promoting healthy bile flow.
  • Contains rosmarinic acid and flavonoids that provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protection, helping to reduce cellular damage from free radicals.
  • May help balance hormones in women, with studies showing that spearmint tea can reduce elevated androgen levels associated with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
  • Acts as a natural breath freshener and supports oral health by inhibiting harmful bacteria in the mouth that cause plaque and gum disease.
  • The aroma of spearmint has been shown to improve memory, focus, and cognitive performance, making it a useful herb to have nearby during study or work.
  • May help relieve mild headaches and muscle tension when applied topically as an essential oil diluted in a carrier oil or inhaled as steam.
13 · History

Where Spearmint comes from

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is native to Europe and southwestern Asia, with its center of origin believed to lie in the Mediterranean basin and the Balkan Peninsula. Archaeological and written records confirm that spearmint is one of the oldest herbs cultivated by humans, with a history stretching back well over three millennia. Ancient Egyptians are known to have used spearmint in ceremonial rites and early medicinal preparations, and traces of the herb have been identified in tombs from approximately 1000 BCE. The ancient Greeks held spearmint in high esteem, using it to perfume their bodies and scent bathwater, while also recognizing its digestive benefits. Hippocrates referenced mint in his writings, and Dioscorides included it in his influential herbal compendium De Materia Medica. The Romans adopted spearmint enthusiastically, flavoring sauces and wines with the herb and spreading its cultivation across their vast empire from Britain to North Africa. During the medieval period, spearmint became a fixture in monastic gardens throughout Europe, prized by herbalists for treating ailments ranging from headaches and nausea to insect stings. It was also commonly used as a strewing herb, scattered on floors to freshen the air in homes, churches, and public buildings. European colonists carried spearmint to North America in the 17th century, where it adapted readily to the climate and quickly naturalized in moist habitats. By the 1800s, commercial spearmint cultivation had taken hold in the United States, particularly in the states of Michigan, Indiana, and later in the Pacific Northwest, which remains the center of American mint oil production today. Spearmint's gentle, sweet flavor has made it the preferred culinary mint across many cultures, featuring prominently in Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines. Today it is grown commercially on every inhabited continent and remains one of the most widely recognized and universally appreciated herbs in the world.

14 · Did you know?

Spearmint: did you know?

Fascinating facts about Spearmint

Spearmint gets its common name from the pointed, spear-shaped tips of its leaves, which distinguish it from the rounder foliage of peppermint and apple mint.

15 · FAQ

Spearmint questions, answered

When should I plant Spearmint?
Plant Spearmint in March, April, May. It takes approximately 30 days to reach maturity, with harvest typically in May, June, July, August, September, October.
What are good companion plants for Spearmint?
Spearmint grows well alongside Tomato, Cabbage, Peas. Companion planting can improve growth, flavor, and natural pest control.
What hardiness zones can Spearmint grow in?
Spearmint thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 10. With greenhouse protection, it may be grown in zones 1 through 11.
How much sun does Spearmint need?
Spearmint requires Partial Sun (3-6h). This means 3-6 hours of sunlight, ideally morning sun with afternoon shade.
How far apart should I space Spearmint?
Space Spearmint plants 45cm (18 inches) apart for optimal growth and air circulation.
What pests and diseases affect Spearmint?
Common issues include Mint Rust, Aphids, Spider Mites. Prevention through good garden practices like crop rotation, proper spacing, and companion planting is the best approach. See the detailed pests and diseases section above for symptoms, prevention, and treatment for each.
How do I store Spearmint after harvest?
Fresh spearmint keeps for up to a week with stems in a glass of water on the kitchen counter or wrapped in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator. For long-term storage, dry stems by hanging in bunches in a warm, dark, well-ventilated room for 5-7 days. Strip dried leaves from stems and store in air...
What are the best Spearmint varieties to grow?
Popular varieties include Common Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Kentucky Colonel Spearmint, Moroccan Mint (Mentha spicata var. crispa 'Nana'), Tashkent Spearmint. Each has unique characteristics suited to different growing conditions and culinary preferences. See the varieties section above for detailed descriptions.
What soil does Spearmint need?
Spearmint is undemanding about soil and grows in virtually any fertile, moist garden soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. It performs best in rich, moisture-retentive soil with plenty of organic matter. Unlike most herbs, spearmint does not require sharp drainage and actually prefers consistently moist condit...
What is the difference between spearmint and peppermint?
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) has bright green, pointed, lance-shaped leaves and a sweet, mild flavor dominated by the compound carvone. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is a natural hybrid of spearmint and water mint, with darker, rounder leaves and a much stronger, sharper taste due to its high menthol content. Spearmint is generally preferred for cooking, salads, and cocktails, while peppermint is more common in teas, candies, and medicinal products. In the garden, spearmint tends to be slightly less aggressive than peppermint.
How do I prevent spearmint from taking over my garden?
The most effective approach is to grow spearmint exclusively in containers with drainage holes, placed on hard surfaces to prevent roots escaping through the bottom. If planting in the ground, sink a rigid barrier such as a large bottomless pot, thick plastic edging, or sheet metal at least 30 cm deep around the planting area. Inspect the perimeter regularly for stolons trying to escape over or under the barrier, and remove them promptly. Raised beds lined with landscape fabric on the bottom also work well.
Can I grow spearmint indoors all year?
Yes, spearmint adapts well to indoor growing. Place it on a bright windowsill that receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight, or use a full-spectrum grow light to supplement during shorter winter days. Use a well-draining pot and keep the soil evenly moist. Harvest frequently to prevent legginess, and mist the leaves occasionally to boost humidity. Indoor spearmint grows more slowly in winter but will provide a steady supply of fresh leaves for teas and cooking.
Why are my spearmint leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing spearmint leaves can have several causes. Overwatering or poor drainage leading to root rot is the most common reason, so check that the pot drains freely and the soil is moist but not soggy. Nutrient deficiency, particularly nitrogen, can also cause yellowing; apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season. Other possibilities include spider mite infestation (check for fine webbing on leaf undersides), root-bound conditions in containers, or natural die-back of older lower leaves as the plant puts energy into new top growth.
When should I harvest spearmint for the best flavor?
Harvest spearmint in the morning after dew has evaporated but before the midday heat, when the concentration of essential oils in the leaves is highest. The best flavor is found in leaves harvested just before flower buds open, typically in early to mid-summer. Young leaves near the stem tips are more aromatic than older leaves lower on the plant. Regular harvesting throughout the growing season keeps the plant producing fresh, tender growth with peak flavor.
Is spearmint safe for pets?
Spearmint is generally considered non-toxic to dogs and cats in small quantities, unlike some other mint-family plants. However, the essential oils can cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea if pets consume large amounts of leaves. Concentrated spearmint essential oil should always be kept away from pets as it can be irritating and potentially harmful in undiluted form. If your pet frequently nibbles on your spearmint plant, consider placing it out of reach and consulting your veterinarian.
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Companion crops

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