Moroccan Mint
Mentha spicata 'Moroccan'
The traditional mint of North African tea culture, prized for its intensely sweet flavor and exceptional fragrance. This spearmint variety produces vibrant green leaves with a refreshing, clean taste that's less aggressive than peppermint. Perfect for the classic Moroccan mint tea and a beautiful, aromatic addition to any herb garden.
Harvest
60-90d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
4–9
USDA hardiness
Height
12-24 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Moroccan Mint in USDA Zone 7
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Moroccan Mint · Zones 4–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – July | — | July – October |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – June | — | June – October |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – June | — | June – November |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – June | — | June – November |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – May | — | May – December |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – April | — | April – December |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry, Occasionally Wet. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Division, Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Each flower is replaced by four small nutlets in the fall.
Type: Nut.
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Fall, Summer
Edibility: Fresh or dried leaves and flowers in teas, beverages, sauces, jellies, vinegars; Fresh leaves in fruit salad, peas, syrups, candies, ice creams, lamb dishes, mint sauce.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh Moroccan mint stores best wrapped in damp paper towels inside perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator, maintaining quality for 7-10 days. For longer storage, place stems in water like cut flowers and cover leaves loosely with plastic—change water every 2-3 days.
Drying preserves the distinctive sweet flavor exceptionally well. Hang small bundles upside down in a warm, dark, well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks until leaves crumble easily. Alternatively, use a dehydrator at 95°F for 2-4 hours. Store dried leaves in airtight containers away from light for up to one year.
Freeze whole leaves on baking sheets, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 6 months—perfect for tea preparation. Moroccan mint also makes excellent herb ice cubes when chopped and frozen in water or simple syrup for beverages.
History & Origin
Origin: Europe to China
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Diseases, Foot Traffic, Heat, Humidity, Insect Pests, Rabbits, Wet Soil
- +Attracts: Fresh or dried leaves and flowers in teas, beverages, sauces, jellies, vinegars; Fresh leaves in fruit salad, peas, syrups, candies, ice creams, lamb dishes, mint sauce.
- +Wildlife value: Attracts butterflies.
- +Edible: Fresh or dried leaves and flowers in teas, beverages, sauces, jellies, vinegars; Fresh leaves in fruit salad, peas, syrups, candies, ice creams, lamb dishes, mint sauce.
- +Fast-growing
Considerations
- -Toxic: Low severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Tomatoes
Mint repels tomato hornworms and aphids while improving tomato flavor
Cabbage
Deters cabbage moths and flea beetles from brassicas
Carrots
Mint's strong scent masks carrot smell from carrot flies
Broccoli
Repels cabbage worms and ants that can damage brassicas
Lettuce
Provides natural pest control against aphids and slugs
Radishes
Mint deters flea beetles that commonly attack radish leaves
Peas
Helps repel aphids and mice that damage pea plants
Marigolds
Both plants repel similar pests, creating stronger pest deterrent effect
Keep Apart
Parsley
Mint's aggressive spreading can crowd out and overshadow slower-growing parsley
Chamomile
Mint's vigorous growth can overtake delicate chamomile plants
Basil
Mint may inhibit basil's growth and can compete for nutrients and space
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #173474)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to most mint diseases, may be susceptible to rust in humid conditions
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites, mint flea beetles
Diseases
Mint rust, verticillium wilt, root rot in poorly drained soils