Herb · Easy
How to Grow Mint
Mentha spicata
Spearmint is a versatile perennial herb prized for its fresh flavor and aromatic leaves. Gardeners cultivate it to enjoy tea, culinary dishes, or natural pest deterrents in their landscape.
SunFull sun to partial shade
WaterModerate to high — likes moist soil
Harvest60-90 days
Zones3–8
Height12-24 inches
📷 Wikipedia: MenthaGrowing Guide
Prepare moist, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Because mint is a hardy perennial, you can sow seeds directly outdoors two weeks before your last frost date or start them indoors during the same period. Press seeds lightly into the topsoil at a depth of about one-quarter inch. Expect germination to occur within ten to fifteen days under warm conditions. Space plants eighteen to twenty-four inches apart to allow room for spreading stems. Mint does not require trellising but benefits from regular watering to keep soil consistently moist, as it thrives in damp environments. Apply a thin layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Feed lightly with balanced fertilizer if growth slows during the summer months. Watch for aphids or fungal issues like powdery mildew; prevent these by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Harvest leaves once plants reach maturity, typically sixty to ninety days after sowing. Snip stems just above a leaf node in the morning when oils are most concentrated for best flavor.When to Plant Mint
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
