Plant Details

Mentha spicata, Mentha spp.

Spearmint

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Mentha spicata, Mentha spp..

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Common names

4 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Spearmint
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Aarmunt
  • Groene munt
French
  • Menthe verte
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Mentha spicata, Mentha spp.
Botanical family: Lamiaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Mentha (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Spearmint

Plant characteristics

Layer: Herbaceous, Ground cover
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 0.60 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Growth rate: None
Foliage: None

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 3-7
Soil moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Partial shade, Full sun

Uses

Edible parts:
Leaves, Condiment, Tea
Edibility rating:
(4)
Medicinal rating:
(3)
Functions:
Essential oil, Repellent, Bee forage, Fragrant

Description

Leaves can be eaten both raw and cooked and have an intense mint flavor. They are often added to salads and warm dishes for extra taste. Furthermore, the leaves can be used to make refreshing herbal tea. The essential oil from both the leaves and the flowers is widely used as a flavoring in candies, ice cream, beverages, and other treats.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/06
Harvest ends: 30/09

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 90283; name ID 124319; Mentha L.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.