Overview
Mentha spicata is a suckering herb in the genus Mentha, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Mentha spicata grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include herb garden, culinary and medicinal. It is native to Afghanistan, Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, China South-Central, China Southeast, Cyprus, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East Aegean Is. and Egypt.
About
Spearmint, also known as garden mint, common mint, lamb mint and mackerel mint, is native to Europe and southern temperate Asia, extending from Ireland in the west to southern China in the east. It is naturalized in many other temperate parts of the world, including northern and southern Africa, North America, and South America.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Spearmint
About the genus
Mentha, also known as mint, is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is estimated that 18 to 24 species exist, but the exact distinction between species is unclear. Hybridization occurs naturally where some species' ranges overlap.
Wikipedia contributors, "Mentha", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Mentha
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Mentha
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Mentha spicata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herb
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.6 m
- Suggested uses
- Herb garden, culinary, medicinal
- Native to
- Afghanistan, Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, China South-Central, China Southeast, Cyprus, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East Aegean Is., Egypt
- Fragrance
- Minty, fresh
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Mentha spicata
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; can spread aggressively
- Pruning
- Regular harvesting encourages bushy growth
- Propagation
- Stem cuttings, division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Rust disease
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Mentha spicata?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; can spread aggressively.
Where is the best place to plant Mentha spicata?
Mentha spicata prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Mentha spicata need?
Mentha spicata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Mentha spicata?
Regular harvesting encourages bushy growth.
How big does Mentha spicata grow?
Mentha spicata reaches a height of 0.6 m.
Is Mentha spicata hardy in the UK?
Mentha spicata has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Mentha spicata?
Stem cuttings, division.
