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.
Will spearmint come back every year?
Mint is frost tolerant. It usually dies back in the winter but comes back in spring. Because mint tends to take over, many gardeners plant mint in a small pot and then plant that pot in the ground or inside a larger container.
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.
Will spearmint take over?
Peppermint, spearmint and lemon mint, in particular, are very aggressive plants. Those mint plants may take over your garden so plant them in a place where you can keep them under control. Some other unusual mints are not as aggressive.
How far will spearmint spread?
One or two plants will easily cover the ground. Mint should grow to be 1 or 2 feet tall. Mint is a vigorous grower and needs to be contained or it will send out its runners and spread all over your garden.
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.
Should you cut back spearmint?
It is important to prune mint in order to prevent it from flowering and to promote a regular supply of fresh, young, tasty leaves. For culinary purposes mint leaves are best picked young and will go tough once the plant goes to flower. ‘Younger leaves are more flavorful than older leaves.
How long do spearmint plants last?
Mint Plants’ Life Expectancy
While the leaves and stems above the ground may die back in winter, the roots survive and sprout again as soon as the weather gets warmer in spring. Given the proper care, mint plants typically live for 5-10 years.
How do you winterize spearmint?
To overwinter mint, you must move the potted plants indoors. Cut outdoor mint plants back to the ground and apply mulch or leaves. Keeping your mint plants alive during winter is straightforward since you can’t easily harm and kill this herb.
How do you make spearmint bushy?
For bushier, healthier mint, pinch off the top two sets of leaves regularly. Spearmint leaves are thinner, more pointed, and more coarsely serrated along the edges than peppermint 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.
How do you multiply spearmint?
Summary: growing mint from cuttings
- Get a hold of some mint (either from an existing plant or from your grocery store)
- Strip off leaves from each stems’ bottom 2″
- Dip the stem in a growth hormone and plant in potting soil OR.
- Place the stem in a glass of water for a few weeks until mature roots have grown before planting.
Is spearmint an invasive species?
A low-maintenance perennial herb, mint provides strongly aromatic leaves for teas, potpourris and cooking, but is invasive in favorable growing sites. Common varieties include spearmint (Mentha spicata) and peppermint (Mentha X piperita).
What do you do with an abundance of spearmint?
- Mint Tea. The easiest thing to do with large handfuls of fresh mint is to make mint tea.
- Mint Syrup/Candied Mint. This twofer is a great way to preserve mint.
- Mint Sugar.
- Mint Salt.
- Mint Extract.
- Mint No-Churn Ice Cream.
Where should you not plant mint?
Avoid duplicating photos showing mint planted in a single windowsill container with other herbs: mint does NOT do well planted with other common herbs such as lavender, rosemary, sage and thyme, as these herbs prefer soil dry-down and sunny locations.
Where should I plant my spearmint?
Spearmint prefers part shade and moist soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Mulching around the plants will keep the soil cool and also helps you keep an eye on any errant stems to prevent rooting.
What is a good companion plant for spearmint?
Carrots are another plant companion for mint and benefit from its proximity, mint discourages carrot root fly. The pungent scent of mint confuses the insect which finds its dinner by smell.
Other plant companions for mint include:
- Beets.
- Broccoli.
- Brussels sprouts.
- Chili and bell peppers.
- Eggplant.
- Kohlrabi.
- Lettuce.
- Peas.
Does spearmint like sun or shade?
Mints prefer full sun to partial shade. Spearmint can also be grown indoors under a grow light or on a bright windowsill.
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).
Do flies hate spearmint?
Both spearmint and peppermint are plants that repel flies. Flies hate the scent of all types of mint and are less likely to hang around these plants.
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.