Spearmint: The Best Mint?

BOTANICAL NAME

Mentha Spicata

PLANT TYPE

Herbs

SUN EXPOSURE

Full sun; Partial Shade  

SOIL TYPE

 Loamy, clay, or sandy; moist and well-drained

SOIL pH   

6.0 to 7.5;slightly acidic if under partial shade

HARDINESS ZONE

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11; USDA 4-9; UK 3

FUN FACTS            

           

Spearmint is a perennial plant, which means that it lives for more than two years. It could grow up to 2 feet by 3 feet wide, a low growing plant. I have chosen spearmint as first featured plant and perfect for beginners, as it is easiest among all herbs to grow and hardy plant. It is a native to the Mediterranean. It is quite invasive and aggressive in spreading rhizones - its roots and stems system; most experience gardener would advise to restrain it by planting in a container before directly panting it in the soil. Mentha species are prone to hybridization and hermaphrodite, so no seed is a true breed. Bees and butterflies love and very attracted to mint flower. 

The leaves are the edible part, either raw or cooked, use as condiment for food and drinks. It has 2700 mg of Vitamin A per 100g fresh weight of mint leaves [1]. Take note, chocolate is good with mint for better absorption of Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin. During the medieval time, the leaves with stalk had been used in strewing cross the floor, as the plant has an appealing aromatic help masked the smells and repels insects. Just imagine in a time where the main source of transport defecates, one could not expect everyone will do a fine job in cleaning up. Most likely, feces and the distinct smell it accompany would be all over the place, hence strewing have been widely practice. Moreover, it has been mentioned the certain rodents, namely rats and mice, dislike the smell of mint, hence it used in food storages to keep such pest away [2]. Essential oil can be extracted from the whole plant have been use commercially as aromatics, food flavoring and hygienic products [3].

As for medicinal uses such herb, with soothing cooling sensations, is commonly used as domestic herbal remedy.  For specifics medicinal uses that needs a separate blog, where I had done an intensive reading, research and even just minimal application to vouch for its effectiveness or, for the very least, innocuousness if used. Mints in general, are great herbs to perfume and repel pests from home and garden, helps lower the need for pesticides.

NTS: This blog initially declined to present any medicinal uses of the plants as most are unfounded claim. For safety reason, felt compelled to provide the general proven and unfounded effects with the hopes that reasonable precaution would be taken when utilizing the plants. Moreover, this blog cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plant. Always seek advice from a professional before using for medicinally purpose.

PLANTING

Preparation

Container at least 16 inches wide and 10-12 inches deep. Note to self: Use a small container to keep the mint leaves small. 

Broken pottery or the likes for drainage.

Potting soil mix. 

Propagation
By seed, cutting or vegetatively (roots division).

By Seed

When to plant:
Anytime for indoor use and tropical zone; For seasonal areas, start about 2 months before the first frost of fall or directly in the warm spring soil [5].

Seed Depth:
Do not cover the seed, they need light to germinate.

Seed Spacing:
Very thinly

Row Spacing:
Very thinly

Days to Sprout:
10-15 days

When to Transplant:
When they have at least 2 sets of true leaves; in March-June.

Plant Spacing:
Transplant seedlings 6-8 inches apart in pots. If planted directly in the ground should be in a container space 1.5-3 feet apart.

By Cutting

Part to cut:
Rooted stems from a well establish mature plant.

When to cut:
Anytime; during waning moon.

Length of cutting:
6 inches cutting of rooted stems. Cuttings can be propagated in water; or in a box/pot planted horizontally under partial shade.

Days to root growth:
7-14 days

By Vegetative propagation

Part to divide:
Any parts of the roots.

When to divide:
Anytime; in spring or autumn.

Length of division:
Divide an entire plant to 3 cm long roots and pot in a partial shade, larger division can be planted directly in permanent position.

CARE AND CULTIVATION

Care Level:
EASY

Watering:
Needs frequent watering so that the soil is always moist.

Growing Notes:
Exposure to full sun increase oil production.  
Pinch off tips of stems to encourage growth. 
Avoid using fertilizer on mint. 
Propagate every year to avoid overcrowding.  

Flower Blooming:    
In August-September; blossoms are a pale to deep violet color.

Seed Ripens:
In September-October; seeds are brown, tiny and round.

Companion plants:
Best with cabbages and tomatoes.

Pests and Diseases:
Powdery mildew; Rust; Leaf spot; Anthracnose; Stem canker; resistant to verticillium wilt.

HARVEST

Days to Harvest [?]
Anytime; in the morning when the flavorful oils are strongest. For essential oil production should be harvest when the plant is just coming into flower. The leaves lose their aromatic appeal after the plant flowers.

It is Mojito time!

Please feel free to leave comments, corrections, suggestions or questions. I always want to know what you think. If you like this kind of blog post please let me know and leave a comment below. If this inspired you to try your hand in gardening and even just taking care of a spearmint herb, please share your experience. If you like what is on this blog, please click and follow. Thank you.

As always enjoy gardening!

References

1. Duke, J. A., & Ayensu, E. S. (1985). Medicinal Plants of China (Vol. 2). Michigan:    Reference Publications, Inc.

2. Phillips, R., & Foy, N. (1990). Herbs. London, UK: Pan Macmillan.

3. Bown, D. (1995). Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. London: Dorling Kindersley.

4. Anonymous. (n.d.). Mint - Cultivation and Uses. Herbal Gardens. Retrieved from http://www.herbalgardens.com/archives/herb-monthly-archive/mint.html

5. Anonymous. (n.d.). Know Before You Grow: Mint. Park Seed. Retrieved from http://parkseed.com/article.aspx?a=kbyg11