It was brought by Roman conquerors to Britain. It thrives in moist conditions and is particularly exacerbated by overhead watering. Admittedly, mint is easy to grow, but you can occasionally run into trouble. Theres even some debate in the culinary world about whether cultivars like Chocolate Mint really deserve to be classified individually. Finally, you can create foil or cardboard collars to protect the base of your spearmint plants. The bigger problem, however, is that these little pests spread disease. See our TOS for more details. If you see the mottled brown, two-inch caterpillars in your garden, give them a poke. Its closely related to peppermint, wild mint (M. arvensis), and watermint (M. aquatica). Peppermint (M. piperita) is a hybrid of spearmint and watermint. If that fails, use an application of neem oil following the manufacturers directions. To make a warm drink to ease stomach issues or a gargle to relieve a sore throat, add a cup of leaves to three cups of boiling water and steep for five minutes. 
You can find spearmint seeds in a variety of packet sizes available at Eden Brothers. Fill the planting area back in with soil, and water well to settle the roots and give the plant a good drink of water.
Stems are square and the leaves are toothed and oblong or lanced. If you want, you can bury the entire container in the soil to inhibit its spread. Spearmint takes well to layering since pretty much wherever mint touches the ground, it forms roots eagerly. If your goal is to produce spearmint oil, harvest your herbs in the heat of summer. It has been cultivated for centuries as a flavoring for candies, jams, medicines, teas, and desserts. Snip the new plant free from the parent, and dig a hole about six inches deep and wide to carefully remove it from the ground. If they resist, theyre rooted. Spearmint is also unique among mints in that it resists verticillium wilt. It has that traditional spearmint flavor, but bolder. You can grow it in a container to keep it under control, but there are also plenty of other ways to keep it contained in the garden. Keep in mind that hybrid species and cultivars cant be propagated by seed since they wont produce the same characteristics as the parent plants. The pink or lilac flowers grow on spikes and bloom in the summer and fall, typically from June to October. While the weather and local climate are obviously not in your control, leaves will have a better flavor in areas that have a significant fluctuation between nighttime and daytime temperatures. As with most other plants in the garden, mint is susceptible to attack by aphids. Compost, aged manure, or coconut coir dust are good options to aid water retention. It couldnt be simpler. And why does it deserve a spot in your herb garden? Seeds should be planted about 1/4 inch deep in prepared soil or a seed starting mix. Dig up a clump of mint with a spade. To change up my morning yogurt, Ill toss in fresh chopped leaves with some berries and granola. Weeds and debris give this pest a place to hide. English colonists brought the pungent herb along with them to North America, and by the time of the American Revolutionary War, spearmint was an important cash crop that was popular as an alternative to black tea. crispa or crispata, also known as curly or wrinkle leaf spearmint, has frilly, curly leaves on a substantial stalk. While mint can be overpowering with some vegetables and fruits, spearmint is subtle enough that its a nice complement. At the same time, it can repel rats, mice, and ticks, and can be used to kill mosquito larvae. Now its ready to go into its new home. Use scissors or a gardening knife to cut out a six-inch-wide section of the parent plant. Spearmint spreads (and spreads and spreads) through rhizomes and stolons. Thats where we got peppermint, actually. Always consult with a medical professional before changing your diet or using plant-based remedies or supplements for health and wellness. Trim off the top inch or so of the stems to encourage bushy growth. As for drinks, spearmint makes a nice flavoring for mojitos, mint juleps (obviously), and gimlets. Agitate the mixture every day. In the case of a severe infection, the leaves may die, and rust may eventually kill the plant. While it can tolerate low light or less than ideal soil, dry soil can kill it. Prepare the area by testing your soil first. Find more tips on growing mint from seed here. Always water at the base of plants in the morning so the leaves can dry out during the day. Like its mint siblings, spearmint is an aggressive grower that will pop up anywhere and everywhere if you let it so long as you live in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-11 and have moist soil. If youve ever nibbled a peppermint leaf and a spearmint leaf side by side, you can really tell the difference. As mentioned above, it also contains high levels of carvone, an antifungal compound that gives this herb its distinct scent.
With additional writing and editing by Allison Sidhu and Clare Groom. Unlike some plants, which can easily be damaged when transplanting, mint roots are sturdy. Mojito mint (M. villosa) is a hybrid with apple mint. 
If youve started your plants indoors, harden them off for about a week before planting them out in the garden. One of the keys to keeping spider mites away is to keep the soil around your plants moist.
M. spicata var. You can also introduce beneficial nematodes into your garden. Add some pomegranate to make a sauce for chicken. Remove all of the leaves from the bottom half. Wrigleys spearmint (M. spicata Wrigleys) can be a little hard to find. 
What does this mean for your garden? Anywhere with temperatures in the 80s during the day and the 60s at night is ideal. In the past, Ive dug up a plant and tossed it in a corner of my yard where I forgot about it. Keep plants well spaced and thin them out to improve air circulation. Spearmint has a distinctive scent, thanks to high quantities of a chemical compound called carvone. Tea made from the leaves can be used to help relieve headaches, stomach issues, gout, and coughs. Then its ready to go in the ground. You can also combine a cup of leaves with a quart of alcohol (vodka or another clear spirit works best) to create a tincture. For container growing, youll need a pot at least 18 inches wide and a foot deep, with drainage holes in the base. You can find beneficial nematodes available at Arbico Organics. You can do this for several days in a row and you should be able to get rid of enough that your plants wont be harmed. Heres what to watch for: Cutworms (Agrotis spp.) Or, to get a jump on the growing season, you can find a three-pack of plants available at Burpee. For commercial growers, it can be a serious problem. If you grow it near other mints, spearmint can hybridize. You can freeze the leaves as well. Theyre usually light brown or yellow and about 1.5 millimeters long, so theyre difficult to spot with the naked eye. The staff at Gardeners Path are not medical professionals and this article should not be construed as medical advice intended to assess, diagnose, prescribe, or promise cure. It can grow in acidic, neutral, or alkaline soil, but a pH of 6.0-7.5 is ideal. Learn How to Grow and Care for Asparagus Ferns, Learn How to Grow and Care for Asparagus Ferns. Mint is resilient and you only need a small section of the root with one or two stems attached for it to survive. Spearmint will give you the best flavor when it is grown in a full sun location. Gardeners Path and Ask the Experts, LLC assume no liability for the use or misuse of the material presented above. Youll know you have them if you come outside and find stems that have toppled over. Spider mites attack a range of plants, but the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) loves members of the Mentha genus in particular. This knocks them loose and sends them packing. Also known as bush, brown, garden, lamb, mackerel, and spire mint, spearmint is a member of the Mentha genus. That heat stresses the plants, which causes them to produce more oils. Seal and store in a cool, dark place for three to four weeks. You can also sprinkle diatomaceous earth six inches outside of the base of plants. A lot of times, various types of mint are clumped together in one overarching category. You can cover seeds with a plastic bag or glass cloche to help keep the soil moist if you live in a dry area. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. It thrives in warm, dry weather and is recognizable by its powdery appearance on leaves and stems. You can also dust plants with flour, which constipates aphids. After about two weeks, you should see seedlings emerge. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. Her passion is focused these days on growing ornamental edibles, and foraging for food in the urban and suburban landscape. Youll often see it growing along roadsides or in waste areas such as vacant lots or fallow fields. If all that fails, a chemical fungicide containing Azoxystrobin can be used according to the manufacturers directions. It also has pretty pink or lavender flowers that attract pollinators. If you want to save the seeds, leave at least 300 feet between different types. Once you start cooking up the tasty leaves, you might be glad that it is such a prolific spreader. In fact, if you grow spearmint near another type of mint, you might end up with a unique hybrid of your own if you save the seeds for planting. For more tips to grow your own herbs, check out the following guides next: Photos by Kendall Vanderslice and Meghan Yager Ask the Experts, LLC. Find detailed instructions on drying herbs here. Leaves can be hung in batches and dried, or you can place sprigs or leaves on a screen in a cool, protected area and allow them to dry that way.
Look for rusty orange spores or white bumps on the underside of leaves. Fill the rest of each compartment with water, and place in the freezer. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed. Today, spearmint is a valuable commercial crop, with Oregon, Idaho, and Washington producing the majority of the essential oil in the US. We have an entire guide dedicated to freezing herbs here. You can do this by giving four-inch seedlings an hour of indirect sun on the first day and then bringing them back inside. In the Middle Ages, spearmint was thought to be useful in treating dog bites. Its slightly less sweet than traditional spearmint, and its resistant to mint rust and powdery mildew. You can add a layer of mulch, such as straw or leaves, to help retain moisture. are larvae that nibble on the base of plants at night. Kristine Lofgren is a writer, photographer, reader, and gardening lover from outside Portland, Oregon. Impacted plants will have yellowing leaves that may dry up and fall off the plant. Trim off the leaves of a branch that is at least six inches long, leaving it attached to the parent plant. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Note that you should avoid consuming spearmint if you have a hiatal hernia or acid reflux. Its native to Europe, the Middle East, the Himalayas, and China. If you live in a hot area where the soil dries out quickly, add an inch of natural mulch like leaves, grass, or compost to retain moisture. Aphids hang out on the undersides of leaves, where they pierce the foliage with their mouth parts and suck out the sap from the plant. Let me know in the comments below! You should also amend the pH if your soil is too alkaline or acidic. The subtle flavor works perfectly in this peach and corn salad, from our sister site, Foodal. If you want to save the seeds, allow a few stems to blossom. There are a handful of pests that love it as much as humans do. This helps to encourage bushier growth and slows the spread of the plant. Be aware that this fungicide contains toxic chemicals, so you shouldnt harvest your mint for at least a few weeks after application. Its also delicious with peas to make soup, or tossed with butter on pasta. Whatever propagation method you choose, mint transplants should be placed in the soil at the same level as they were growing before. For that reason, this herb is ideal for when you want something that complements your cooking, rather than becoming the flavorful focal point. You can start seeds directly in the garden after the risk of frost has passed, or start them indoors about eight weeks before your last frost date. Transplant the division that you took into its new spot. Regular watering is particularly important in hot, dry climates or if you have sandy soil. It wont usually kill your plants, but you certainly wont want to nibble on a leaf covered in mildew. GARDENER'S PATH IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. How to Grow Flavorful Cardamom in Your Home Garden, .slick-slider#wpsp-83656 {margin-left: 0px; }.slick-slider#wpsp-83656 .wp-show-posts-inner {margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; }#wpsp-83656.wpsp-card .wp-show-posts-single {margin-bottom: 2em; }.slick-slider#wpsp-83656 .wp-show-posts-single {margin-bottom: 0px; }#wpsp-83656 .wp-show-posts-inner {background-color: #ffffff; }#wpsp-83656.wp-show-posts .wp-show-posts-entry-title {font-size: .9em; }.wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-83656 {margin-left: -2em; }.wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-83656 .wp-show-posts-inner {margin: 0 0 2em 2em; } While an individual plant only reaches a mature width of about 24 inches at most, it can put out new growth and spread throughout your garden as much as you choose to let it. Division is another quick way to increase your spearmint bounty. Mites love dry, warm conditions, so denying them this may encourage them to try another location away from your garden. Strain and store in an opaque, sealed container in a cool, dark place. You can do this at just about any time of year as long as the soil is workable, but spring or autumn is typically best. Wash and roughly chop them, and place them in an ice cube tray to fill each cell about halfway. You can always make the classic mint sauce for lamb, but why not get a bit more creative? She was raised in the Utah desert, and made her way to the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two dogs in 2018. Spearmint is attacked most often by the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) in particular. Press the dirt around the box to secure it in place. This tenacious herb has naturalized across northern and western Africa, and North and South America as well. Some of these links may be affiliate in nature, meaning we earn small commissions if items are purchased. You can either prop the cutting up in a glass of water so its submerged by about half, or dip the cut end in a powdered rooting hormone and place it in a seed starting medium with two-thirds of the stem sticking out. Fill your container with a moisture-retaining medium made for container plants. You can cut back plants to the ground in the fall if you choose. Pepper mint lives up to its name! While they all contain menthol, which gives them that familiar flavor, theyre not all the same. Spearmint is monoecious, meaning it has flowers with both female and male parts, so theres no need to grow more than one plant for pollination. It has larger leaves, as well. Keep in mind that these pests may develop resistance to sprays, so you should only use them as a last resort. Either way, in about two weeks, the cutting should form roots. There arent many cultivars of true spearmint, but you can find plenty of hybrid crosses between spearmint and other Mentha species. You can set out cuttings with established roots into the garden three or four weeks after planting. Of course you can candy spearmint leaves and use them to top just about any sweet confection, or they make the perfect addition to anything made with chocolate. Youll have to replace it every so often, after watering or particularly after it rains, but it creates an effective barrier by desiccating the worms if they try to cross. Try chopping the leaves into a lamb burger mixture, grill, and top with a cucumber and mint sour cream sauce. Its effective in relieving flatulence and in easing nausea and vomiting. Theyll curl up into a c-shape. Find more tips on growing mint from seed here, read our complete guide to controlling cutworms, Find detailed instructions on drying herbs here, We have an entire guide dedicated to freezing herbs here, How to Hand-Pollinate Your Pumpkin Plants, Broccoli, cabbage, carrots, eggplant, lettuce, peas, peppers, Cutworms, green peach aphids, spider mites, thrips, Mint rust, powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, Control spread by pruning, pulling, or planting in containers. Trim away any infected stems and dispose of them. These soil-borne organisms disrupt the reproductive cycle of the pest. You also have to watch out for a few diseases. Its a bit milder than true spearmint with a hint of citrus. You can do this at various times of year, as long as you have at least eight weeks of frost-free weather ahead of you. Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) find mint to be a tasty little snack. People have also used it as a strewing herb to repel rodents, ticks, and even demons (no word on how effective it is against the supernatural, though). If you have a big infestation, you may need to turn to the big guns: insecticides. You can propagate spearmint from seed or stem cuttings, by division, or by layering. After a few weeks, the buried branch should have developed roots, and youll see new shoots coming out of the soil. If the top 1/2 inch of soil is dry, your plant needs water. Talk about a versatile plant! In fact, the most demanding element of growing spearmint is that it needs plenty of water. It has an especially sweet aroma. If you arent sure, give soil-planted cuttings a tug. Otherwise, pluck leaves and stems as you need them, using scissors or a pair of clippers. Control aphids with a blast of water from the hose. And lets not forget dessert! Dig two inches deep around your spearmint and sink the cardboard into the soil. Typically, the biggest challenge to growing spearmint is stopping it from spreading. Leaves will keep in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for three or four days. The first line of defense is to keep your garden clean. That doesnt mean that they have no trouble with diseases, however. Dig a hole twice as wide as the plant to ensure that the roots can spread. If you buy from one of our links,we may earn a commission. This uncommon variety is also called American red or ginger mint. That said, you will want to harvest early in the day after the dew has dried for the most potency. A product made of potassium bicarbonate such as MilStop, available at Arbico Organics, is also effective. Keep in mind that it is possible for spearmint to cross pollinate with other types of mint. But spearmint is truly unique in many aspects, from its flavor to its appearance. This terpenoid gives spearmint its sweet, subtle flavor. Since these little arachnids are so tiny, youll probably notice webbing on your plant before you notice the insects themselves. You can mix equal parts milk and water and spray it onto your spearmint to help control this disease. It can also grow in various light conditions from full sun to full shade, though the flavor and blossoms will be less impressive in the shade. If you want to add spearmint to your garden, there are a few things you need to know. COPYRIGHT 2022 ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. If you go the glass route, change the water every two days or so. Spearmint has naturalized in nearly every state in the US. In the heat of the summer, this can mean watering two or more times a week to ensure the soil is moist to the touch at all times. They can also be dehydrated in an oven on the lowest setting until crisp, or in a food dehydrator. Here are a few to watch for: Mint rust is caused by a fungus, Puccinia menthae, that loves to attack mint plants. Spearmint is lucky in that it exhibits some natural resistance to verticillium wilt, a common problem for mint growers. How to Plant and Grow Ground Cherry, A Tasty Tropical Berry, How to Plant and Grow Ground Cherry, A Tasty Tropical Berry, .slick-slider#wpsp-83657 {margin-left: 0px; }.slick-slider#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-inner {margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; }#wpsp-83657.wpsp-card .wp-show-posts-single {margin-bottom: 2em; }.slick-slider#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-single {margin-bottom: 0px; }#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-inner {background-color: #ffffff; }#wpsp-83657.wp-show-posts .wp-show-posts-entry-title {font-size: .9em; }.wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-83657 {margin-left: -2em; }.wp-show-posts-columns#wpsp-83657 .wp-show-posts-inner {margin: 0 0 2em 2em; } We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. If you look closely, you may notice what looks like little dots scurrying around on the underside of leaves. Gradually add an hour of sunlight each day until the plant can be outside for seven hours. If you see mojito mint or Scotch spearmint seeds (or peppermint seeds, for that matter), be wary. A month later, I had a healthy patch of mint growing. Harden off rooted cuttings and plant them out in the garden as described above. Here is more about what we do. All mint plants have a well-deserved reputation for being incredibly vigorous. In 1568, herbalist John Gerard wrote that Spere Mynte rejoiceth the heart of man.. Reflective mulch helps to keep thrips off your plants, and you can avoid planting near anything in the allium family, another favorite food of theirs. Look for yellowing or curling leaves. Lay the branch on the ground and cover it with 1/2 inch of soil. This includes pulling up large chunks of the plant as it spreads, pulling any runners, and installing barriers. You can toss these into drinks or recipes. Powdery mildew is the foe of many garden plants. Then, replace the original plant and fill the empty space with soil. Some studies show the essential oil has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It looks more like apple mint than spearmint, with round, hairy leaves. You should harvest just before the plants begin to bloom for the highest concentration of oils. Unlike peppermint, which must be grown via roots or cuttings because it is a hybrid, spearmint grows true to seed. An annual dressing with well-rotted manure will give this plant everything it needs to thrive, unless your soil has a serious deficiency of nitrogen, potassium, or phosphorus.
Allow to cool before gargling. Depending on the size of the plant, youll need to dig nine to 12 inches deep. All mints are bothered by some of the seemingly ever-present pests like aphids, thrips, and spider mites. If youve ever waffled between selecting spearmint or peppermint gum at the store, then you know that there are lots of mint flavors out there.