Spearmint
Mentha spicata
The classic mint variety beloved for its bright, refreshing flavor and vigorous spreading habit that makes it perfect for beginning gardeners. Unlike peppermint, spearmint has a sweeter, less intense flavor that's perfect for teas, cocktails, and Middle Eastern cuisine. This hardy perennial spreads rapidly through underground runners, making it ideal for contained growing or naturalizing in moist areas.
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 Spearmint in USDA Zone 7
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Spearmint · 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 spearmint leaves stay crisp for 7-10 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Trim stem ends and place in a glass of water, covering leaves loosely with a plastic bag, then refrigerate. Alternatively, wrap unwashed leaves in slightly damp paper towels and store in perforated plastic bags in the crisper drawer.
For preservation, air-drying works excellently—bundle small stems and hang in a warm, dry area with good air circulation for 2-3 weeks until leaves crumble easily. Dried spearmint retains sweet flavor for up to one year when stored in airtight containers away from light.
Freeze-drying maintains the best flavor: wash and thoroughly dry leaves, then freeze in single layers on baking sheets before transferring to freezer bags. Frozen leaves work perfectly in cooked dishes and beverages. For ice cube preservation, chop fresh leaves and freeze in water or olive oil—ideal for instant flavor additions to drinks and cooking.
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
Spearmint repels ants and rodents that damage tomatoes, while improving their flavor
Cabbage
Deters cabbage moths, aphids, and flea beetles from brassica crops
Broccoli
Repels cabbage worms and aphids that commonly attack brassicas
Carrots
Helps deter carrot fly and other root pests while improving soil health
Lettuce
Provides natural pest deterrent for aphids and improves growth of leafy greens
Peas
Spearmint repels ants and aphids while peas fix nitrogen in soil
Radishes
Mint deters flea beetles and root maggots that attack radish crops
Marigolds
Both plants repel similar pests and create strong aromatic barrier against insects
Keep Apart
Parsley
Mint's aggressive spreading nature can overwhelm and compete with parsley for nutrients
Chamomile
Mint can inhibit chamomile's delicate growth and overpower its subtle properties
Rue
Strong allelopathic effects between both plants can inhibit each other's growth
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #173474)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally hardy, good air circulation prevents fungal issues
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites, flea beetles
Diseases
Mint rust, powdery mildew, root rot in poorly drained soil