How to Grow Moroccan Mint
Mentha spicata 'Moroccan'
Moroccan Mint is a versatile herb prized for its refreshing flavor in teas, culinary dishes, and beverages. Gardeners cultivate this easy-to-grow plant to enjoy fresh leaves year-round while adding fragrance to their landscape.
📷 Wikipedia: SpearmintStarting Moroccan Mint: indoors or direct sow?
🏠 Start indoors 6 weeks before your last spring frost, then move the seedlings outside.
Move seedlings outdoors once all danger of frost has passed, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist during establishment.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare moist, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 before sowing. Start seeds indoors six weeks before your last frost date, as mint thrives in cool conditions initially. Press seeds gently into the surface without covering them deeply, then keep the medium consistently moist. Germination typically occurs within ten to sixteen days.
Space plants twelve to eighteen inches apart to allow airflow and prevent overcrowding. While mint does not require support, it spreads vigorously via runners, so consider container limits or division. Maintain soil moisture at one to one-and-a-half inches per week using mulch to retain water. Feed lightly if growth slows, though this species often needs minimal fertilization.
Watch for aphids, spider mites, and mint flea beetles; encourage beneficial insects or spray with insecticidal soap if infestations occur. Prevent rust in humid weather by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Harvest leaves starting sixty to ninety days after sowing when stems are mature and aromatic.
When to Plant Moroccan Mint
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
Companion Plants for Moroccan Mint
✓ Good companions
Repels cabbage worms and ants that can damage brassicas
Deters cabbage moths and flea beetles from brassicas
Mint's strong scent masks carrot smell from carrot flies
Provides natural pest control against aphids and slugs
Both plants repel similar pests, creating stronger pest deterrent effect
Helps repel aphids and mice that damage pea plants
Mint deters flea beetles that commonly attack radish leaves
Mint repels tomato hornworms and aphids while improving tomato flavor
✗ Keep away from
Mint may inhibit basil's growth and can compete for nutrients and space
Mint's vigorous growth can overtake delicate chamomile plants
Mint's aggressive spreading can crowd out and overshadow slower-growing parsley
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
