Herb Spearmint Mentha Spicata
Herb Spearmint Mentha Spicata. A highly aromatic, spreading plant with dark-green, sweetly aromatic spearmint leaves which can be extensively used as garnishes and flavoring. This perennial grows to 3 feet tall and spreads rapidly. The 2-3 inch lance-shaped leaves are a unique wrinkled texture. Oblong terminal spikes of lilac-pink to white flowers appear all summer, which attract bees and butterflies alike. Like other mints, spearmint is extremely easy to grow. In fact, it grows so well, it is best to confine it to containers. Grow in almost any soil conditions in sun or part shade, harvesting leaves all season long.
Cultivation Advice Herb Spearmint Mentha Spicata
- For an early harvest, start seeds indoors in April or sow outdoors in May through July in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Barely cover seed with 1/8 – 1/4 inch of fine soil.
- Thin and transplant when seedlings are 2 inches high. When starting seeds indoors, do not plant outdoors until danger of frost is past.
- Set plants approximately 12-18 inches apart.
- Plant in part sun and shade. Likes moist, but not continually wet soil.
- Harvest begins when plants reach 12 inches. Harvest leaves continually to encourage new growth.
