spearmint

Mentha spicata

herbaceous☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate waterZone 4a – Zone 11b

Spearmint is an herbaceous perennial herb with lance-shaped, bright green leaves and delicate purple or white flower spikes. It spreads vigorously via underground rhizomes and is commonly grown for its fresh, sweet leaves used in teas, cooking, and beverages.

Overview

Form: Spreading
Growth Rate: fast
Size: 1.5–3′ tall × 2–4′ wide
Dormancy: deciduous

Tolerances & Soil

low

Zone 4aZone 11b

1471013

ColderWarmer

Seasonality

Bloom Season

Harvest Season

Season of Interest

SpringSummer

Herb

Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.

Native Range

Mediterranean

Function & Care

dynamic accumulatorediblemedicinalpollinator nectary

Edible Parts

leafflower

Establishment & Care

Establishment: easy
Maintenance: high
Years to Bearing: 0 years
Propagation: seed, cutting, division, root cutting

Companion Planting

Plants well with

Borage

Borago officinalis

Mint is reported to deter aphids and ant colonies that tend aphids; borage nearby is a beneficiary as its succulent stems are attractive to aphids when mint protection is absent.

tomato

Solanum lycopersicum

Spearmint's aromatic compounds repel spider mites and whiteflies while attracting some beneficial insects to the tomato patch.