Spearmint Mentha spicata
ABOUT
Mentha spicata, commonly known as spearmint, is a perennial plant characterized by its refreshing scent. This aromatic herb produces slender, spear-shaped leaves that are a bright to dark green color, with veins running through the surface giving them a textured look. The leaves are arranged oppositely on the square-shaped stems, and when crushed, they give off a sweet and minty aroma, which is a distinguishing feature of spearmint. The plant often grows with a sprawling habit, sending out runners that allow it to spread across the ground. During the blooming period, spearmint produces small flowers that are arranged in slender, tapering spikes. These flowers are usually a shade of lilac, pink, or white, and they attract a variety of pollinators to the plant. Spearmint's overall appearance is that of a lush, leafy herb with a refreshing presence in the garden, and its leaves are popularly used for culinary and medicinal purposes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Spearmint, Garden Mint, Common Mint, Lamb Mint, Mackerel Mint, Green Mint, Fish Mint.
Common names
Mentha viridis, Mentha cordifolia, Mentha crispa, Mentha crispata, Mentha dubia, Mentha nemorosa, Mentha sativa, Mentha tomentosa.
ToxicityTo humans
Spearmint is generally recognized as safe for human consumption in normal food quantities. It is widely used in cooking, teas, and for flavoring. There are no significant toxic effects associated with spearmint for humans when it is consumed in amounts typically found in foods. However, like any substance, it might cause an adverse reaction in some individuals with specific allergies or sensitivities, especially when consumed in large quantities. Such reactions could include gastrointestinal issues or skin irritation, but these are not common.
To pets
Spearmint is not considered highly toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. While the plant is generally safe, consumption in very large amounts might cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the natural oils and compounds in the plant that can be irritating to a pet's system. However, this is relatively uncommon, and spearmint is not known for causing serious toxic effects in pets. If a pet consumes a large amount of spearmint and exhibits symptoms, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Culinary Uses: Spearmint is widely used as a flavoring agent in foods, beverages, and gum due to its refreshing taste.
- Aromatic: The plant has a pleasant aroma which makes it popular in perfumery, soaps, and cosmetics.
- Garden Plant: It is used as an ornamental garden plant that provides ground cover and attracts beneficial insects.
- Companion Planting: Spearmint can be planted alongside other plants to enhance growth and repel pests.
- Herbal Tea: Leaves of spearmint are often used to make a soothing and caffeine-free herbal tea.
- Seasoning: Fresh or dried, spearmint leaves are used to season salads, sauces, and various dishes.
- Natural Sweetener: It can be used as a natural sweetener in recipes, particularly in combination with fruit or in desserts.
- Personal Care Products: Extracts of spearmint are commonly found in toothpaste, mouthwashes, and other personal hygiene products for their flavor and aroma.
Medical Properties- Carminative: Spearmint is traditionally used for its potential to help relieve symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gas.
- Antispasmodic: It may help alleviate muscle spasms, particularly in the digestive tract.
- Antiemetic: Spearmint can be used to help prevent nausea and vomiting.
- Antioxidant: Contains compounds that may protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Antimicrobial: Exhibits properties that may inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- Anti-inflammatory: Spearmint may help reduce inflammation and pain in the body.
- Stimulant: It has been used to help stimulate the brain, improve memory, and increase alertness and focus.
- Menthol Content: Although spearmint has much lower menthol content than peppermint, it is sometimes used for its mild cooling and soothing effects.
- Relaxant: Spearmint tea is commonly consumed for its potential soothing effects on the nervous system, which may improve sleep quality and reduce stress levels.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Mentha spicata, commonly known as spearmint, can be used to repel insects such as mosquitoes and ants when its leaves are crushed and rubbed onto the skin or placed around the home.
- Sprigs of spearmint are often used as a natural, aromatic decor that can freshen up a room simply by placing them in a vase with water.
- The plant can be used in homemade natural dyes, providing a range of green hues to fabrics and yarns when processed correctly.
- Spearmint is sometimes included in potpourri mixes for its refreshing scent and is believed to have a calming effect on the mood when inhaled.
- When dried, spearmint leaves can be added to homemade sachets and tucked into drawers or closets to impart a fresh, clean scent to clothing and linens.
- The leaves can be used to garnish and add a minty flavor to cold drinks, such as iced tea, lemonade, and mojitos, without overpowering the beverage.
- Spearmint is often incorporated into homemade natural cleaning products for its antiseptic properties and pleasant aroma.
- The crushed leaves of spearmint can be sprinkled in gardens as a natural mulch, providing nutrients to the soil as they decompose and deterring some garden pests.
- Spearmint can be used in the stuffing of pet toys, particularly for cats, as its scent is attractive to them and can encourage play.
- Fresh spearmint leaves can also be placed in a hot bath, where their essential oils release in the warm water, providing a refreshing and aromatic soak.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant spearmint is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant spearmint is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Wisdom: Mentha spicata, commonly known as spearmint, is often associated with wisdom, as its refreshing scent is said to stimulate the mind and enhance mental clarity.
- Hospitality: In ancient times, spearmint was used to scent baths and the home, symbolizing a sense of welcome and warmth to guests.
- Freshness: The cool, invigorating aroma of spearmint signifies freshness and renewal, echoing the feeling of a new start or clean slate.
- Healing: Spearmint has been traditionally used in herbal medicine, representing healing and the soothing of ailments, particularly digestive issues.
- Virtue: The plant’s clean and crisp fragrance embodies virtue and moral purity, making it a symbol of good character and integrity.
- Protection: Some cultures believe that spearmint possesses protective qualities, warding off negative energies and providing a shield against harm.
WaterSpearmint, the common name for Mentha spicata, should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which is typically once or twice a week, depending on the climate and the season. During hot summer months, this may increase to every other day. Provide the plant with approximately 16 ounces of water per watering session for a medium-sized pot, ensuring even moisture distribution without waterlogging the soil. During winter, water less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's crucial to have well-draining soil.
LightSpearmint thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best spot for the plant is in an area that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but it can also tolerate light dappled shade. If grown indoors, a south-facing window is ideal to provide adequate light. In regions with very hot summers, afternoon shade can help prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureSpearmint prefers temperate conditions and grows best when daytime temperatures are between 55°F and 70°F. The plant can survive temperature fluctuations, but it should be protected from extreme cold and frost, with the minimum survival temperature being around 30°F. It can handle up to 90°F but may require extra watering to cope with the heat.
PruningPruning spearmint is essential for promoting bushy growth and preventing it from spreading uncontrollably. Trim the plant regularly, cutting back up to one-third of its length to encourage new shoots. The best time for major pruning is in the spring or early summer, but regular pinching of the tips can be done throughout the growing season. Pruning also helps to rejuvenate the plant and maintain a manageable size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSpearmint prefers a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A blend of two parts peat, one part perlite, and one part compost is ideal to ensure proper moisture and nutrient levels.
RepottingSpearmint should be repotted or divided every two to three years to revitalize soil nutrients and manage its growth, as it tends to spread vigorously.
Humidity & MistingSpearmint thrives at a moderate humidity level, around 40-50%. It can tolerate some fluctuation but prefers consistent conditions without extreme dryness.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place spearmint in a sunny window and water regularly.
Outdoor
Plant spearmint in partial shade and keep soil moist.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA.
Life cycleMentha spicata, commonly known as spearmint, starts its life cycle when seeds germinate in moist, well-drained soil under full to partial sunlight. The seedlings emerge and develop into vegetative plants, which consist of square stems and characteristic lance-shaped, serrated leaves with a pleasant aroma. As they mature, spearmint plants spread through horizontal runners called stolons, expanding their reach and establishing new rooted stems. The reproductive stage is reached when the plant produces small pink or lilac flowers on slender spikes during the summer, which are pollinated by insects. Following pollination, seeds are produced, completing the sexual reproduction cycle. Throughout its life, spearmint is a perennial, returning from the same roots year after year and can also propagate vegetatively by division of the root system.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
The most common method of propagation for Mentha spicata, commonly known as spearmint, involves the use of stem cuttings. This can be done at various times throughout the growing season, though spring or early summer is often the best time as the plant is in a phase of active growth. To propagate spearmint using stem cuttings, a gardener should select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a segment about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 cm) in length just below a node, where the concentration of rooting hormones is high. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cutting is placed in a moist growing medium, ensuring that at least one node is below the surface, which will facilitate root development. Generally, within a few weeks, the cutting will have developed its own root system and can be transplanted to its final location, with consistent moisture and a well-draining soil to encourage robust growth.
