Mentha spicata
Spearmint
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Spearmint (Mentha spicata) - Description
Leaves impart flavor to iced drinks, sauces, vegetables and lamb. The plants are vigorous and spreading. Prefers part shade to full sun. Start seed early indoors. Plants tolerate light frost; set outside early.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) - Blooming
Although mints do have flowers, they are grown for the flavor and smells of their leaves and stems. Blooms bell-shaped flowers in summer. Remove the flowers as they appear and pinch back the stems to promote bushier growth.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) - Growth
Aromatic, rhizomatous perennials. Some species are annuals. Mints generally do well full sun to partial shade. They have underground stems that help them spread rapidly. They can be rather weedy and should be controlled. The best way to control mint is to grow in containers. M. aquatica can be grown in containers submerged in up to 6" deep water, and is often used to stabilize the muddy edges of a pool. Mints grow well in an herb or vegetable garden. M. pulegium makes a nice low groundcover. M. requienii works well in a moist, shady rock garden. Mints have culinary, medicinal, and industrial uses. They are often implemented in herbal teas and potpourri.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) - Planting
Very easily propagated via runners, or sow seeds in spring in containers in a cold frame. Can also propagate by division in spring or fall, or from rip cuttings in spring or summer. Plant different types far apart to avoid cross-pollination.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) - Pest
Prone to powdery mildew, anthracnose, leaf spot, stem canker, and rust. Affected by aphids, spider mites, flea beetles, root borers, cutworms, and root weevils. Planting mint in containers will prevent against soil-borne diseases. Rid of aphids and spider mites that appear by spraying the undersides of the mint leaves with a garden hose.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) - Interesting facts
Mentha is native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Mints occur mostly in shallow water or wet or moist soil. There are around 25 known species.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) - Soil and irrigation
Although they can grow pretty much anywhere, they do best in light, moist, and medium-rich soils that are slightly acidic.
