Spearmint

Lamiaceae

Classic mint with bright, sweet flavor. EXTREMELY aggressive spreader via underground rhizomes AND self-seeding. Container growing essential. Dies back to ground in cold zones, returns from rhizomes in spring. One of few herbs that tolerates wet conditions and partial shade. Hardy zones 3-9. Virtually indestructible — the challenge is containment, not survival.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

30–45 days

Sun

4+ hours

Full sun to partial shade

Spacing

18–24 "

Container

Yes

3+ gallon pot

Height

1–2 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Optimal Temp 70°F

Watering

Weekly Water 1–1.5 "

Needs Moderate-high

Soil

pH Range 6–7

Soil Type Rich, moist, well-drained

Resilience

Heat: Moderate Cold: Very-high Drought: Medium

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Light feeder

Harvest

Stems with mature leaves. Peak oil just before flowering.

Sources

university NC State Extension — Mentha spicata horticultural Southern Exposure Seed Exchange

More Herbs

Spearmint Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Spearmint vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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