Spearmint / Garden Mint
Mentha spicata
description
Spearmint is a vigorous perennial herb with cool sweetly aromatic leaves.
benefits
- Edible
- Suitable for containers
How to care for Spearmint
sunlight
Spearmint grows in open, moist places and along sunny edges, so it stays fullest with plenty of light at home.
Full sun
Give it about 4-6 hours of direct sun daily, ideally near a south- or west-facing window. More light encourages compact growth and flavorful leaves.
Partial sun
Morning sun with bright light for the rest of the day works well, especially in hot summers. In lower light, stems stretch and the plant becomes less bushy.
watering
Keep spearmint's soil evenly moist, never waterlogged. It grows fast and wilts quickly when its roots dry out, especially in a small pot or sunny spot.
Spring and summer
Water thoroughly about every 2-5 days in warm, bright conditions, letting excess drain away. Water when the top 1-2 cm of soil feels dry but the root ball is still slightly moist.
Autumn and winter
In lower light or cooler rooms, water roughly every 7-12 days. Check the soil first, as active indoor growth, heat, terracotta pots, and airy mixes can make it dry faster.
humidity
Preferred humidity
Spearmint naturally grows in reliably moist places, so it appreciates average to moderately humid household air. It is usually comfortable above 40%, provided its soil does not dry out completely.
How to increase humidity
- Move the pot away from radiators, vents, and hot sunny glass.
- Group it with other plants or use a pebble tray nearby during dry winter weather.
- Keep air moving gently - constantly damp, stagnant air encourages powdery mildew.
temperature
Best growing range
Winter rest
Spearmint is a cool-season perennial from temperate regions, so it grows well in mild conditions and tolerates chilly weather. Keep it cooler and evenly watered in summer heat, especially on a sunny windowsill.
nutrition
March - September
Feed container-grown spearmint about every 3-4 weeks while it is actively making new leaves. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at about half strength on already moist soil. Stop feeding in winter, or when growth has slowed in cool, low-light conditions.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen supports the lush leafy growth you harvest. A gentle, regular feed is enough - too much can make growth soft and less aromatic.
Potassium
Potassium supports sturdy growth and general plant resilience. A balanced herb or houseplant fertilizer supplies it without overdoing any one nutrient.
soil
Moist, fertile, free-draining soil
Spearmint grows best in a rich, loamy mix that holds steady moisture but does not stay waterlogged. Blend regular potting soil with compost and a little perlite or coarse grit to keep roots supplied with air.
pH 6,0 - 7,0
This is slightly acidic to neutral, a range that suits mint well. Most all-purpose potting mixes are suitable, and mixing in compost helps maintain a gentle, balanced pH.