Spearmint is one of the most beloved species of mint.. Known for its bright green leaves and aromatic, slightly sweet scent, spearmint is a must-have for herb lovers and culinary enthusiasts alike. It is highly fragrant and popularly used as a bright accent in foods and flavoring in teas. Its smooth, serrated leaves are perfect for adding zest to dishes, teas, and even cocktails, making it a favorite among gardeners and chefs. The leaves are packed with essential oils, perfect for brewing fresh herbal teas or making homemade remedies. The oil of spearmint can also be used as scent and flavoring in desserts. The spearmint plant grows bright green pointed leaves around beautiful lavender flower spikes that can reach up to 4 inches tall. It grows quickly and easily, forming lush, vigorous clusters that thrive in both containers and garden beds. Spearmint is incredibly easy to grow, requiring minimal care while providing abundant leaves throughout the growing season. As a low-maintenance perennial, it returns year after year, providing fresh mint for your culinary creations, refreshing drinks, and even DIY beauty products.

Also Known As: Common Mint, Garden Mint, Lamb Mint, Peppemint, Green Mint, Mentha Spicata, Fish Mint, Curled Mint, English Mint, Sage Of Bethlehem.

Plant Name:	Mint, Spearmint
Latin Name:	Mentha spicata
Days to Germinate:	10-15
Days to Harvest:	60
Plant Height:	1 - 3 Feet
Spread:	1 - 2 Feet
Growth Habit:	Spreading
USDA Zones:	3-11
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2026

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 2 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

Planting:

Mint grows best in 65F-75F temperatures. Plant Mint after the last expected frost in spring when the soil temperature is at least 55F.

Starting Indoors: For an earlier harvest, start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost in spring. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

For fall crops, direct sow seeds outdoors at least 8 weeks before the first frost. In colder climates (USDA Zones 1-8), plant in containers and prepare the bring indoors if there is an early frost or temperatures are too low for optimal growth. To plant, make holes 1/8 inch deep and spaced 12-18 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole. If choosing to thin to the strongest plant, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting. In small plots, seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 12-18 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding.

Planting Depth:	1/8 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	12-18 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	18-24 inches

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig to deeply to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: Mint does not require frequent fertilization. If leaves are smaller than expected, you may optionally apply a light dressing of a complete fertilizer, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Harvest mint when plants are well-established and are at a height of about 6-8 inches. The best time to harvest is just before the plant begins to flower, as the leaves are most flavorful at this stage. You can begin picking the leaves once the plant has multiple stems and has reached a few months of growth, typically in late spring to early summer. Harvest the leaves by cutting the stems about 1-2 inches above the ground, allowing the plant to continue growing. It's best to harvest in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day, as this ensures the oils in the leaves are at their peak. If you need to preserve the mint, avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at a time to ensure it remains healthy and continues to thrive throughout the season.