Growing Spearmint

Introduction

Spearmint is another Mediterranean native known from ancient times as an herb of hospitality. In the symbolism of plants, spearmint conveys wisdom.

Types

Spearmint is a type of mint; other varieties include Peppermint, Apple Mint, Watermint, Chocolate mint and many more.

Germination & Propagation

Spearmint has a germination period of about 10 to 15 days. Sow the seeds on top of the soil. DO NOT cover them as they need light to germinate. Keep the ground fully moist until germinated. Seeds are best stored in the refrigerator and can be purchased directly from us via our Seed Store.

You can also grow more spearmint plants using cuttings or by layering.

Propagate from cuttings: Cut the mint stem just below a node (where a leaf grows) on the plant. Remove all but the top leaves. Stick one or two cuttings into a glass jar with about one inch of the stem submerged in the water. You can also use a plastic bottle as pictured.

Propagate by layering: Take a long spearmint stem and carefully secure it along the soil with wire or a U-shaped stake, leaving four inches of the tip free. Make sure the pinned portion is directly touching the soil. Roots will start to form along the stem within about a month. Cut away the newly rooted plant from the main plant and transfer elsewhere within the garden or to a large pot.

Planting

Spearmint, once planted takes off quickly and can take over quickly as well. Many people question how to plant spearmint due to its invasive nature. Some cautious gardeners grow spearmint in hanging baskets or containers to avoid having to pull out runners constantly. Another way to plant spearmint if you want it in the garden is to plant it in a 5-gallon pot with the bottom cut out. This will help keep the runners of growing spearmint plants from invading other spots of your garden. Use the Best Hawaiian Soil Mix.

Sun and Water

Four to eight hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal. Water every day. Spearmint, and all mint plants for that matter, are extremely hardly and can handle a wide range of conditions.

Fertilizing

Spearmint requires a balanced feeding program; I use a blend of nitrogen rich and phosphorous rich bat guano and boost the nitrogen content with a little blood meal.

Harvesting

Spearmint rarely flowers in Hawaii, however, in order to obtain the best and most potent flavor, harvest the mint leaves before the plant enters the flowering phase. As with most herbs, once the plants bolt and start to form seed, the flavor intensity is lost.

Also like many herbs, regular pruning of your spearmint plant will actually encourage the plant to grow more, so I cut my plants regularly and give much of it away.