Vigorous, fragrant and almost impossible to kill — best grown in a pot to keep its running roots in check. A few leaves transform drinks, salads and lamb.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and full sun
- Water: consistently moist soil
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Spearmint
Botanically, Mentha spicata is a fast-growing perennial in the Lamiaceae family. The foliage is aromatic. Purple flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Spearmint
Spearmint suits warm-temperate and cool-temperate climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun and full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Spearmint provided drainage is reasonable. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Spearmint is consistently moist soil. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Spearmint after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Spearmint in the garden
Spearmint earns its place for edible harvests and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Spearmint with other plants that enjoy the same consistently moist soil and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe. Be aware it can self-seed or spread into bushland in some regions — check it is not a declared weed in your area before planting.