Spearmint
Mentha spicata
#95 of the top 100

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