Mint 'Small Dole' Mentha spicata 'Small Dole' (v)
ABOUT
'Small Dole' produces oval-shaped leaves which can be variegated or non-variegated when new shoots come through. Both leaves and stems may be green one season then grow through white the next.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Small Dole Spearmint, Variegated Spearmint
Common names
Mentha spicata 'Small Dole'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lilac
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Culinary Dishes: Commonly known as spearmint, this herb is frequently used to add a fresh, minty flavor to various recipes such as salads, sauces, and drinks.
- Garden Aesthetics: With its vibrant green leaves, spearmint provides visual appeal and can be used as an attractive ground cover or border plant in gardens.
- Aromatic Properties: Spearmint emits a pleasant aroma that can be enjoyed in the garden or used in potpourris and sachets to naturally freshen up indoor spaces.
- Natural Pest Control: Spearmint has been known to repel pests like ants, moths, and rodents, serving as a natural deterrent in the garden or home.
- Companion Planting: When planted alongside other plants in the garden, spearmint can help to enhance the overall health and growth of various vegetables and flowers.
- Erosion Control: Its dense growth habit helps stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, especially in areas with loose or sandy soil.
- Easy to Grow: Spearmint is generally easy to cultivate and maintain, thriving in many climates with minimal care required.
Medical Properties- Digestion: Spearmint is traditionally used to soothe digestive issues, including gas, bloating, and nausea.
- Respiratory benefits: It may help relieve symptoms of colds and respiratory illnesses with its menthol content, which has decongestant properties.
- Stress relief: The aroma of spearmint is often used in aromatherapy to provide relief from stress and anxiety.
- Antibacterial properties: Spearmint oil has been shown to have antibacterial properties that may be beneficial for oral health and in combating certain infections.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Spearmint may help reduce inflammation and may be beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Mentha spicata 'Small Dole' (commonly known as spearmint) leaves can be infused in vinegar to create a flavorful salad dressing or marinade that imparts a fresh, herby taste to dishes.
- The leaves can also be dried and incorporated into homemade potpourri mixes for a minty fragrance, or placed in sachets to freshen up closets and drawers.
- Fresh spearmint is often used as a natural pest repellent in gardens due to its strong scent which is disliked by rodents and insects.
- Spearmint can be planted along with other herbs and vegetables as a companion plant to deter pests and promote a healthy garden ecosystem.
- The leaves can be steeped in hot water to create a natural cleaning solution for floors and surfaces, which leaves a pleasant scent.
- Fresh or dried spearmint can be used as a natural deodorizer when simmered in water, helping to eliminate household odors.
- Leaves can be frozen into ice cubes to add a refreshing twist to water, iced tea, and other cold beverages.
- Used creatively in culinary arts, spearmint can be incorporated into syrups for dessert toppings, providing a sweet minty flavor.
- Dried spearmint leaves can be added to homemade soaps and bath salts for a refreshing and invigorating scent.
- The essential oils extracted from spearmint can be used in homemade candles or diffusers to freshen up the ambient air with its crisp fragrance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSpearmint is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySpearmint is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Refreshment: Mentha spicata, commonly known as spearmint, symbolizes refreshment due to its cool and crisp flavor, often used to invigorate the senses and provide a sense of renewal.
- Warmth and hospitality: Spearmint has been traditionally used to create a welcoming environment, representing the warmth and hospitality of the home where it is grown or served.
- Healing: With its medicinal properties, spearmint is often associated with healing and is used in various remedies to promote health and well-being.
- Wisdom: In historical contexts, Mint has symbolized wisdom, and this extends to spearmint as a variety, implying a deep insight and intelligence tied to its uses.
- Protection: Spearmint has been used in folklore to ward off harmful spirits or negative energies and thus represents protection.
WaterSpearmint, commonly known as Mentha spicata 'Small Dole' (v), prefers consistently moist soil. It's important to water the plant deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. On average, watering may be required once or twice a week, but during hotter periods, more frequent watering could be necessary. Generally, using about 1 to 2 gallons of water per plant per week should be sufficient to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Always adjust the watering frequency and amount based on rainfall, temperature, and the plant’s location.
LightSpearmint thrives in full sun to partial shade, so placing it in a spot where it receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal. However, in very hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent leaf scorch. It's adaptable to a range of lighting conditions but will have the best growth and most potent flavor when given ample light.
TemperatureSpearmint prefers temperatures between 55°F and 85°F, making it well-suited for growth in many temperate regions. It can survive temperatures as low as 20°F but needs protection from frosts and freezes. Ideal conditions include warm days and cooler nights. Extreme heat can stress the plant, so it's crucial to provide extra water during periods of high heat to maintain a favorable growing environment.
PruningPruning spearmint is crucial for encouraging bushy growth and preventing it from becoming leggy. Trim back the top leaves and stems regularly, especially before the plant flowers, to promote denser foliage. It's best to prune spearmint throughout the growing season as needed, ideally starting in late spring. Regular harvesting of the leaves also helps maintain the shape and health of the plant.
CleaningNot needed
SoilSpearmint 'Small Dole' prefers moist, well-draining soil with a blend of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingSpearmint 'Small Dole' should be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and provide adequate room for root growth. Annual repotting is beneficial to maintain plant health and vigor.
Humidity & MistingSpearmint 'Small Dole' thrives in environments with average humidity levels; it doesn't require particularly high humidity and can adapt to normal indoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and water when soil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part-shade and keep soil moist.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleMentha spicata 'Small Dole' (v), commonly known as spearmint, begins its life cycle with seed germination, occurring in warm, moist soil typically in the spring. The germinated seeds develop into seedlings with characteristic fragrant leaves. As the plant grows, it undergoes vegetative growth, forming a robust root system and a profusion of stems, which can rapidly spread if not contained. Throughout the summer, spearmint produces small pink or lilac flowers that attract pollinators and can result in seed production if not trimmed back. After flowering, if seeds are produced, they are dispersed by various means, although spearmint often propagates vegetatively via stolons. In winter, the plant may die back, especially in colder climates, but the root system typically remains viable to regrow in the following spring, continuing its perennial life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Mentha spicata 'Small Dole', more commonly known as spearmint, is by division. Spearmint can be propagated most successfully in the spring, just as new growth begins to appear. To propagate by division, you should carefully dig up an existing spearmint plant and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a portion of the roots and some shoots. These new plant sections can then be replanted into pots or directly into the garden, spaced about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow for sufficient room for growth. It's important to keep the soil moist as the new divisions establish themselves, which will encourage the development of a healthy root system.
