Spearmint Mentha spicata 'Tashkent'
ABOUT
The plant widely known as spearmint 'Tashkent' boasts an attractive growth habit characterized by its lush, vividly green foliage. Each leaf displays a distinctive texture with a crinkled surface, often described as wrinkled, contributing tactile interest and a robust appearance. The leaves themselves are ovate or lance-shaped, featuring a pointed tip and slightly serrated edges that impart a feathery look. This version of spearmint exudes a highly aromatic presence, with a fragrance that is refreshingly cool and sweet, a characteristic that makes it popular for culinary uses, as well as in beverages. When the plant blooms, it produces small flowers that range in color from lilac to pinkish or light purple, arranged in slender, elongated clusters termed spikes. These flowers are known to attract various pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing the lively interaction within a garden setting. The plant has a tendency to spread via its underground stems, known as runners, which can give rise to dense clumps if not managed. It's the fresh, minty aroma and the handsome, verdant sprigs that make the spearmint 'Tashkent' a beloved addition to both ornamental gardens and practical herb plots.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Tashkent Mint, Spearmint
Common names
Mentha viridis, Mentha spicata var. condensata, Mentha spicata var. crispata, Mentha spicata var. cuneifolia, Mentha crispa, Mentha spicata var. smithiana.
ToxicityTo humans
Spearmint is generally recognized as safe for human consumption when used in amounts found in food, as it is commonly used as a culinary herb and flavoring agent. However, in excessive amounts, it may cause gastrointestinal upset, including heartburn, diarrhea, or vomiting, particularly in individuals with a sensitivity to it. Allergic reactions can occur but are rare. People should consume spearmint, including the 'Tashkent' variety, in moderation and consult with a healthcare provider if they have concerns regarding allergy or interactions with medications.
To pets
Spearmint, including the 'Tashkent' variety, is generally considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. However, if consumed in large quantities, it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is always advisable to monitor your pet for any signs of discomfort if they ingest this plant inadvertently and contact your veterinarian if significant symptoms develop.
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
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Culinary Uses: Mentha spicata 'Tashkent', commonly known as spearmint, is widely used in cooking and food preparation for its refreshing and cool flavor, often added to salads, teas, and beverages.
- Aromatic Properties: Spearmint has a strong, pleasant aroma, making it a popular choice for use in essential oils, perfumes, aromatherapy, and as a natural room freshener.
- Landscape Design: With its vibrant green leaves and compact growth habit, spearmint is an attractive addition to herb gardens, borders, and container plantings, providing texture and color variation.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of the spearmint plant are known to attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Companion Planting: Spearmint can be used in companion planting to enhance the growth of other plants and to deter pests naturally in the garden.
- Culinary Versatility: The leaves of spearmint can be used fresh or dried, offering versatility in the kitchen and allowing for a wide range of culinary applications across different cuisines.
- Easy to Grow: Spearmint is relatively easy to cultivate and maintain, making it an accessible plant for gardeners of all skill levels, thriving in a variety of soil types and conditions.
Medical Properties- Anti-bacterial: Mentha spicata, commonly known as spearmint, has been found to possess antibacterial properties against a variety of bacterial strains.
- Antioxidant: Spearmint has demonstrated antioxidant activity, which can help protect the body from oxidative stress and damage from free radicals.
- Gastrointestinal relief: Traditionally, spearmint has been used to alleviate symptoms of indigestion, gas, and other gastrointestinal issues.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant has compounds that may reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial in treating conditions like arthritis.
- Analgesic: Spearmint may exert mild pain-relieving effects and is sometimes used to alleviate headaches or other minor pains.
- Stress reduction: Spearmint is often utilized for its calming effects, which may help reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
- Respiratory benefits: It is used in folk medicine to help relieve symptoms of common colds and respiratory ailments due to its menthol content.
- Antispasmodic: Spearmint can help ease muscle spasms, which is why it is sometimes used to treat menstrual cramps and other types of spasms.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Spearmint 'Tashkent' can be used as a natural rodent repellent. Sprinkling dried spearmint leaves around areas where rodents are a problem may help to deter them.
- The plant's leaves can be used in sachets to impart a fresh fragrance to linens and clothing when placed in drawers and closets.
- Spearmint 'Tashkent' can be utilized as a natural dye, where the leaves yield a greenish color when applied to fabrics or paper through traditional dyeing methods.
- The crushed leaves of Spearmint 'Tashkent' may be rubbed on wooden surfaces as a natural insect deterrent and to leave a pleasant scent.
- It can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, providing a refreshing minty aroma that can enliven a room’s atmosphere.
- Spearmint 'Tashkent' can be used to create a flavored vinegar for culinary purposes by steeping the leaves in vinegar for a period of time.
- Leaves from this plant can be used to garnish desserts and drinks, adding a minty flavor and decorative touch to dishes.
- Spearmint 'Tashkent' can be used as a companion plant in gardens to help attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which are vital for pollination.
- The essential oil extracted from this plant can be used in homemade cleaners, offering a natural disinfectant property as well as a refreshing scent.
- Chopped spearmint leaves can be scattered in pet bedding to help reduce odors and impart a fresh minty smell.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSpearmint is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Plant Symbolism- Refreshment: Spearmint, commonly referred to by its species name Mentha spicata, is often associated with refreshment due to its cool and crisp taste, which can rejuvenate the senses and provide a sense of renewal.
- Warmth and hospitality: Traditionally, spearmint has been used to welcome guests, representing warmth and hospitality when used in drinks or dishes.
- Healing and medicine: As an herb with various therapeutic properties, spearmint symbolizes healing and is often linked with medicinal remedies for ailments like digestion issues and headaches.
- Vitality: The vibrant green color and lively flavor of spearmint are emblematic of vitality and life energy, making it representative of vigor and health.
- Cleansing: Spearmint's strong scent and association with hygiene products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash, give it symbolic meaning related to purification and cleansing.
- Wisdom: In some cultures, mint is symbolic of wisdom, possibly due to its long-standing use in traditional herbal knowledge and applications.
WaterSpearmint, commonly known as Mentha spicata 'Tashkent', should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. It is often watered once or twice a week, depending on the climate and the soil's moisture retention capabilities. As a rough guide, water your spearmint with about one to two gallons every week during the active growing season, adjusting for rainfall, high temperatures, and the plant's size. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant's growth slows down. Always check the top inch of soil, and if it's dry, it's time to water.
LightSpearmint thrives in full to partial sunlight, meaning it should receive at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. Ideally, plant Mentha spicata 'Tashkent' in a spot that benefits from morning sun and afternoon shade to prevent scorching in extremely hot climates. Too little light can lead to leggy plants with fewer flavors.
TemperatureSpearmint prefers a temperature range of 65-70°F during the day and can tolerate a slight drop at night. Mentha spicata 'Tashkent' is hardy and can survive temperatures down to around 30°F, though it thrives in warmer conditions. However, sustained temperatures below freezing or above 80°F may damage or stress the plant.
PruningPruning spearmint is essential to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess. Trim Mentha spicata 'Tashkent' regularly by pinching off the tips, particularly before it flowers, to maintain the plant's compact shape and stimulate new leaf production. The best time for more substantial pruning is in early spring or after flowering to rejuvenate the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSpearmint, commonly known as Mentha spicata 'Tashkent', thrives in a soil mix that is rich in organic matter, well-draining, and has a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil recipe would be a blend of two parts peat or coco coir, one part perlite or sand, and one part compost or aged manure to provide nutrients. Regular checks on the soil’s pH and adjustments with lime or sulfur can ensure the plant grows optimally.
RepottingSpearmint should typically be repotted each year to replenish its soil and accommodate growth. Due to its vigorous root system, choose a slightly larger pot each time to prevent the plant from becoming root-bound and to maintain its health and vigor.
Humidity & MistingSpearmint prefers a moderate humidity level, similar to what is found in most homes, which is usually around 40-50%. It is adaptable and does not require additional humidity measures, making it quite easy to care for in terms of humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place spearmint in bright, indirect light and ensure the pot has drainage.
Outdoor
Plant spearmint in partial shade and keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleMentha spicata 'Tashkent', commonly known as Tashkent mint, typically begins its life cycle with seed germination, emerging as seedlings when conditions of moisture and temperature are suitable. Following germination, the seedlings develop a root system and grow into young plants, exhibiting characteristic square stems and aromatic leaves of the mint family. During its vegetative growth stage, Tashkent mint proliferates, forming a dense mat as it sends out runner-like stolons that root at nodes, spreading rapidly. The plant then enters the flowering stage, producing small, tubular, lilac-colored flowers in terminal spikes, which attract pollinators and can result in seed formation if fertilized. After flowering, if left unharvested, the plant may set seeds that fall to the ground, potentially lying dormant until the next growing season. The plant is perennial in nature, dying back to the root system in winter in colder climates and regrowing from these roots or stolons when warm weather returns.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Spearmint, scientifically known as Mentha spicata 'Tashkent', can be easily propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. The best time to propagate spearmint is in the spring when the plant emerges from dormancy and begins to show new growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an existing spearmint plant and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections by hand or with a clean knife, making sure that each division has a good amount of roots and at least a few shoots. These divisions can then be replanted in well-draining soil, ideally spaced about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart, to allow room for growth. Water the new plants well and maintain moist soil as they establish themselves. Spearmint can also be propagated by stem cuttings, but division is often preferred because it is quicker and results in more robust plants.
