60 days.
Quick Reference Growing Guide
| Plant Type: | Perennial herb | Frost |
|---|---|---|
| Time to Maturity: | 60 days | Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators |
| Spacing: | 24 inches | Broccoli, cabbage, carrots, eggplant, lettuce, peas, peppers |
| Planting Depth: | 1/2 inch (seeds) | Other types of mint, potatoes |
| Height: | 2-3 feet | Lamiaceae |
How fast does spearmint grow?
From seeding to maturity, mint takes about 90 days. This means that it will achieve its full height, generally of 1 to 2 feet, and it will be ready to harvest. At this point you can cut mint down to 1 inch above the soil, and it will regrow to harvest height again in a month and a half or so.
Are spearmint plants easy to grow?
Spearmint is a hardy perennial up to USDA plant hardiness Zone 5 that grows best in partial shade with well-draining, rich, moist soil and a pH of 6.5 to 7. Mint is easiest to grow from plants, but you can sow seed once the ground has warmed in the spring.
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 spearmint take to sprout?
10 to 15 days
Do not cover the seeds; they need light to germinate. They should sprout within 10 to 15 days at room temperature or slightly warmer (68 to 75°F).
Does spearmint like sun or shade?
Spearmint will give you the best flavor when it is grown in a full sun location. If you live in a hot area where the soil dries out quickly, add an inch of natural mulch like leaves, grass, or compost to retain moisture.
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 often do you water spearmint?
Water mint plants twice a week with a thorough watering so that excess water trickles from the base of the pot or container. Mint plants require the soil to be evenly moist but not saturated to prevent wilting and avoid root rot. If the top inch of the soil feels dry, give your mint plants a good soak.
Can I grow spearmint in the house?
You can grow any type of mint indoors. Try peppermint (Mentha x piperita), spearmint (M. spicata), pineapple mint (M. suaveolens ‘Variegata’), chocolate mint (M.
Can you eat spearmint leaves?
Fresh spearmint also contains small amounts of vitamins A and C, as well as the minerals iron and calcium. Mint is safe for most people and consuming it doesn’t typically cause side effects. Allergies to mint are uncommon. In people who are allergic to mint, an interaction with the herb can trigger asthma symptoms.
How do you care for potted 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 are spearmint plants good for?
Spearmint is a delicious, minty herb that may have beneficial effects on your health. It’s high in antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds that may help balance hormones, lower blood sugar and improve digestion. It may even reduce stress and improve memory.
How long do mint plants live?
5-10 years
Mint is a perennial plant, meaning it can grow and endure for many years. It often goes dormant or dies back in the winter in most places before sprouting from the ground in the spring. When mint is planted in the ground, it has a lifespan of 5-10 years. Potted mint plants can also live for more than 5 years.
How can I make mint grow faster?
Supply garden mint with 1 to 2 inches of moisture weekly in the absence of a similar amount of rain. This is enough to moisten the soil to a depth of 6 inches. Water potted mint until the excess drips from the bottom of the pot. Even soil moisture results in fuller growth and healthier leaf production.
Does mint need full sun?
Mint is very vigorous and will spread all over the place if planted in the ground. Instead, plant it in a large pot filled with multi-purpose compost or in a large, bottomless bucket sunk into the soil with the rim above ground level to prevent shoots escaping over the top. Mint likes full sun or partial shade.
Is spearmint different than peppermint?
Peppermint’s flavor is similar to spearmint, but it contains the ingredient menthol, making its flavor stronger and more pronounced. Both spearmint and peppermint have menthol in them but peppermint contains a higher menthol content (40% versus . 05% in spearmint).
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.
Do you pick mint leaves from the top or bottom?
So, make sure you pick the smaller leaves on the top first. Doing so will not only help you enjoy more flavorful leaves, but it will also encourage new growth. With regular pruning, your mint plants will grow bushier and produce more flavorful foliage.
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).