Mentha spicata (Spearmint)

Mentha spicata, also known as Spearmint, is a vigorous rhizomatous perennial with spearmint-scented, lance-shaped leaves and spikes of small, white to pale purple flowers. Native to Europe and southern temperate Asia, this garden mint spreads rampantly to form an extensive colony. It is one of those hardy perennials that will take over your garden once it is established. However, once secured in an ideal location, Spearmint makes a delightful addition to a companion planted garden.

Spearmint Culinary Uses

Spearmint is widely used for culinary purposes and is one of the best mints for flavor.

• Teas: Spearmint is a popular ingredient in tea blends, particularly for digestive issues and freshening breath.
• Sauces and Dressings: Spearmint can be added to sauces, such as mint sauce for lamb and dressings for a fresh, minty flavor.
• Beverages: Spearmint is a common ingredient in cocktails and mocktails, adding a fresh, minty flavor to drinks.
• Sweets and Desserts: Spearmint is often used to flavor candies, gum, ice cream, and other sweets.
• Mediterranean cuisine: Spearmint is a staple herb in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in dishes like tzatziki sauce and mint-based salads.
• Middle Eastern cuisine: Spearmint is used in various dishes in Middle Eastern cuisine, including tabouleh, hummus, and mint tea.
• Indian cuisine: Spearmint is a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine, particularly in dishes like mint chutney and raita.

Growing Spearmint

• Grows up to 12-36 in. tall (30-90 cm) and 36-60 in. wide (90-150 cm).
• Performs best in rich, moist soils in full sun or partial shade. Spearmint, however, adapts to a wide range of soils except dry ones.
• This aromatic herb can be used as a garden specimen, ground cover, in herbs and kitchen gardens, and in vegetable gardens.
• It is a vigorous grower that will spread all over the place and could become invasive. You can plant it in raised beds, pots, or containers to keep it within bounds.
• You can also grow the plants indoors for fresh leaves throughout the winter.
• Spearmint is extremely easy to grow and relatively low maintenance.
• Mulch lightly to retain moisture and keep the leaves clean.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Check out for leafhoppers, caterpillars, powdery mildew, or mint rust.
• Mint is deer and rabbit resistant and toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested. Fresh or dried leaves of Mints repel mice and rats.
• Mint may cause allergic reactions in some people.
• Cut back after flowering.
• Propagate by seed or division in spring and fall.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.

Companion Planting

Mint is an excellent companion plant.

• Mint repels Pests: Mint has a strong scent that can deter pests such as aphids, black flies, cabbage moths, cabbageworms, cabbage maggots, flea beetles, squash bugs, whiteflies, and ants.
• Mint improves Growth: Mint is said to enhance the growth of other plants by improving soil quality and releasing beneficial compounds into the soil.
• Mint attracts Beneficial Insects: Mint flowers are a source of nectar for beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which help pollinate nearby plants or prey on garden pests.
• Do not plant Mint in the ground near your vegetables to prevent it from taking over your vegetable crops. Use Mint foliage as mulch or keep it in pots.

Find here the list of best and worst companion plants for Mints

Harvesting and Storing Mint

Mint is best harvested just before the plant starts to flower when the essential oils and flavor are at their peak. Here are some tips for harvesting mint:

• Pruning: Harvest only the young leaves, as they are more flavorful than the mature ones. Cut the stem tips of the plant back to about 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) from the ground using sharp scissors or pruning shears.
• Timing: Harvest mint in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day.
• Frequency: Regular harvesting will encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy and productive.
• Drying: To dry mint, tie the stems together in bunches and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place with good air circulation. Once the leaves are dry and crumbly, crumble them into a jar and store them in a cool, dark place.
• Freezing: Another option is to freeze mint leaves by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and putting them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the leaves to a freezer bag or container and store them in the freezer.