Top 100

Spearmint

Mentha spicata

#95 of the top 100

Spearmint
Photo by Simon Eugster · CC BY-SA 3.0

How to care

Mentha spicata, commonly known as spearmint, is a popular herb known for its aromatic leaves and culinary uses. It thrives in well-draining soil and prefers a sunny to partially shaded location. Spearmint is a vigorous grower and can spread quickly, so it's often best grown in containers to control its growth. Regular harvesting of leaves encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy.

Light Preference

  • Full Sun
  • Part Shade

Size

Height
0.5 m – 1 m
Spread
1 m – 1.5 m
Years
2 – 5

Preferred soil

  • Chalk
  • Clay
  • Loam
  • Sand
  • Acidic
  • Alkaline
  • Neutral

Propagation

  • Division

Leaves

  • Green
  • Unusual Foliage Color

Flowers

  • Showy
  • Fragrant
  • Pink
  • White

Toxic to

  • LeafCatsModerate · Ingestion
  • LeafDogsModerate · Ingestion
  • LeafHumansMild · Ingestion

Informational only — not veterinary or medical advice. Missing data does not mean a plant is safe.

Edible parts

Spearmint leaves are widely used in culinary applications for their refreshing flavor. They can be used fresh or dried to add a minty taste to dishes such as salads, sauces, and desserts.

Informational only — not a guarantee that a part is safe to eat. Missing data does not mean a plant is inedible.

Other names

  • Common mint
  • Garden mint
  • Lamb mint
  • Mackerel mint

Taxonomy

Order
Lamiales
Family
Lamiaceae
Genus
Mentha

Wikipedia

Wikipedia

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