Spearmint Mentha Spicata is a rhizomatous, upright perennial herb. Spearmint seeds are normally started indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. One of the most popular herbs, Spearmint typically grows to 3 feet tall featuring aromatic foliage with lance-shaped leaves that have a unique wrinkled texture, and oblong terminal spikes of lilac-pink to white Spearmint flowers appear all summer attracting bees and butterflies.
Spearmint is extremely easy to grow, and this popular herb is most commonly grown as a culinary herb or ground cover. Spearmint grows vigorously and can be somewhat invasive, so sometimes gardeners choose to confine the plant to containers or pots. Mentha Spicata seeds have to be kept moist until germination, and the seedling can be transplanted when it is at least 2 inches tall. Spearmint leaves have a strong spearmint fragrance and taste, and may be used to flavor teas, in salads, as a garnish or in potpourris. The leaves are harvested as needed, and the young leaves and stems have best flavor.
PLANT PROFILE
Season: Perennial/Annual
Height: 12-36 Inches
Bloom Season: Summer
Environment: Sun/Partial Shade
Soil Type: Rich/Average/Moist well-drained, pH 6.1-7.5
USDA Zones: 4-11 (As Perennial) All Regions of North America (As Annual)
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
Sow Indoors: Winter/Spring (8-10 weeks before last frost)
Sow Outdoors: Spring
Seed Depth: 1/8 Inch
Germination Time: 14-21 Days
