When planted in ideal conditions, spearmint will reach a mature height and width of 12 to 24 inches (31-61 cm.). Growing spearmint plants in the garden is a rewarding and useful experience.
How far apart should you plant spearmint?
18 to 24 inches apart
Space mint plants 18 to 24 inches apart. It’s best to grow them in pots to keep them from taking over your garden (even if you’re planting in the ground).
How wide does mint get?
18–24 in. wide
How to Grow and Care for Mint
| Common Name | Mint |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Mentha spp. |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial, herb |
| Size | 12–18 in. tall, 18–24 in. wide |
How long does it take spearmint to spread?
Mint Growth Rate
Growing at 4 inches per month, a single plant would spread to 2 feet in about six months. However, as the rhizomes creep away from the original plant, new plants are created, increasing the size of the mint area. Spearmint, which is more vigorous than peppermint, has an even faster growth/spread rate.
How tall and wide does mint grow?
It tolerates frequent shearing to harvest its minty, wrinkled green leaves for tea or flavoring other dishes. The plant grows 24 inches tall and spreads at least 18 inches wide.
Do spearmint plants spread?
Like its mint siblings, spearmint is an aggressive grower that will pop up anywhere and everywhere if you let it – so long as you live in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-11 and have moist soil. It also has pretty pink or lavender flowers that attract pollinators.
Does spearmint keep mosquitoes away?
Spearmint and peppermint are reputed to work well against insects like mosquitoes, flies, and spiders, making them ideal for the backyard garden.
How do you plant mint so it doesn’t spread?
The best way to control mint is to limit the spread of the plant’s roots by planting it first in a pot, then sinking the pot into the ground or into the soil within a larger container. Every few weeks, give the pot a quarter turn to keep the roots from escaping through the drainage holes.
Does mint spread in the garden?
Mint can quickly take over and spread to areas where it’s not wanted. Mint spreads primarily by rhizomes, which means by the roots. As the roots spread, they sprout a stems and leaves and eventually become their own plants. So to keep the mint plant from spreading all over the garden, the roots need to be contained.
How do I make my mint plant bushy?
For bushier, healthier mint, pinch off the top two sets of leaves regularly. Don’t be afraid to cut leggy mint plants to the ground, as shown at left. They’ll quickly send up new shoots full of fragrant leaves.
What bugs does spearmint repel?
Spearmint and peppermint are often noted for their ability to repel flies, fleas, and spiders in the garden. One thing to keep in mind when planting mint is that it is an invasive plant and will spread quickly.
What animals does mint keep away?
Mint. Mint isn’t just great for cooking. Its oils are proven to repel fleas, ticks, ants, mice and moths. Mint is an invasive plant, so you’ll want to put it separately from your garden (unless, of course, you want an all-mint garden).
What can you not plant near mint?
What can you not plant with mint? Avoid planting lavender, rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme near mint. Some other bad mint companions include basil, chamomile, and parsley, along with most common herbs. Also, because mint can be invasive, you should not plant mint directly in the ground unless it’s free to roam.
Will mint take over grass?
It’s taking over my yard and killing the grass. Any gardener who has planted mint can sympathize with your dilemma. These aggressive plants are difficult to contain and eliminate from the landscape.
Does mint like sun or shade?
Mint grows best in full sun to partial shade, should be planted early in the growing season and is generally hardy to -20° F. Mint prefers moist soil conditions, but excess water will promote root and leaf diseases.
Is spearmint a perennial?
Like other mints, spearmint plants are spreading perennials that, left unchecked, can quickly overtake a raised bed.
What bugs does mint attract?
Let your mint go to flower and it will attract bees, beneficial wasps, hoverflies (aphid eaters), and tachinid flies (parasitic on nasty bugs).
Is spearmint safe for dogs?
Fortunately, most of the varieties, like peppermint, spearmint, lavender mint, apple mint, and even pineapple mint, are totally safe. However, you should steer clear of Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), a type of non-culinary mint that is toxic for both people and pets.
Why is mint considered invasive?
Like cilantro and basil, mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow; however, its roots, which are called “runners,” are incredibly invasive: they quickly grow, sprouting new leaves and new plants as they go. Mint will overtake a flower bed or garden in no time if you’re not careful.
Is mint toxic to dogs?
Yes, dogs can eat fresh mint leaves. Mint is actually a family of plants, not just one specific one. We humans mostly use the peppermint and spearmint varieties and both of these are safe for dogs to eat. However, never feed your dog pennyroyal mint as this is toxic to dogs.
What plant do mosquitoes hate the most?
11 Plants & Herbs That Naturally Repel Mosquitoes
- Citronella. Chances are, you’ve heard of this one before- it’s one of the most common ingredients in most mosquito repellents.
- Lemon Balm.
- Catnip.
- Marigolds.
- Basil.
- Peppermint.
- Garlic.
- Pennyroyal.