Also known as Bush Mint · Bush Mint (spearmint) · Common Mint
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is a vigorous, aromatic herb with bright green leaves, widely used for its refreshing flavor in culinary dishes and beverages.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but can tolerate some shade.
Regular
75% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Loam, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Silty loam
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 15-24°C. Can tolerate cooler temperatures, and in warmer climates, may benefit from some afternoon shade.
Light
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly in spring with a diluted balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep spearmint consistently moist, especially during warm weather. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.
In containers, water more frequently than in the ground. Reduce watering slightly in cooler months.
Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy. Pinch back the tips of stems regularly, especially before flowering.
Cut back by about one-third in late summer or early fall to maintain shape and prepare for winter. Remove any dead or damaged stems.
Spearmint is easily propagated by division or stem cuttings. In spring, divide established clumps by carefully separating roots and shoots.
For stem cuttings, take 4-6 inch tip cuttings in summer, remove lower leaves, and root them in water or moist potting mix.
Repot spearmint annually or every two years to refresh the soil and prevent it from becoming root-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Repot in spring before new growth begins.
Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure good drainage holes.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
Where Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is found
Density
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7 known issues from plant disease data
Verticillium Wilt on Mint causes lower leaves to yellow and curl, while shoots wilt, stunt, and may suddenly collapse in patches.
Mint Rust on Mint causes small orange to rusty pustules on leaves and stems, followed by yellowing, drying, and weak growth.
Powdery Mildew on Mint covers leaves with a white dusty coating, causing curling, yellowing, and poor leaf quality as plants weaken.
Stolon Decay and Canker on Mint causes dark sunken lesions on stolons and stems, leading to rot, dieback, and thin broken stands.
Black Stem Rot on Mint causes blackened stems near the base, leaf yellowing, and wilting, often ending with collapse of affected shoots.
Spotted Wilt on Mint causes bronzed or spotted leaves, distortion, and stunted growth, with tops becoming weak and uneven in the field.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Mentha |
| Species | Mentha spicata |
Similar in genus Mentha
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
