HERB-MINT-SPEARMINT
$3.50
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Mentha piperita
HERB-MINT-SPEARMINT crinkled bright green leaves are harvested just as the flowers open for best flavour. Use fresh or dried in teas, cooking. Plant in pots or containers to prevent spreading. Part shade. Grows 30-50 cm tall. Perennial. The bright green foliage is highly aromatic & is supported on the typical square stems belonging to the mint family. The large leaves are bumpy & quite textured with visible veins & a prominent midrib.
Leaf size may reach 5-9cm long and 1.5-3cm wide. The small flowers are either pink or white, although some describe them as mauve, and appear on extended whorls. The sharply intense aroma is highest just before flowering and diminished once the flowers disappear. Native to Europe and western Asia, but it has been in cultivation for so long the original native range is unknown. It is naturalized in many areas of the world and was first found in North America in the 1840s.
Crush spearmint leaves and scatter them around the garden to act as a natural pest repellent. This can help deter ants, flies, and even rodents. Different hybrid varieties of spearmint have unique flavours and aromas. Each variety may have subtle differences in taste and scent.
SKU: HMT-S
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How to grow Spearmint Herb
- Spearmint prefers well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded area. As it spreads readily it is best to plant it in a container or a contained area in the garden where you can check the rhyzome root system for easy pruning. Container planting also allows you to move your mint in and out of the sun or shade for best growing environment.
- Prepare a mix of compost or well-rotted manure with the garden soil to improve fertility.
- Plant spearmint seeds or cuttings about 2-3 inches deep, about 6-12 inches apart. If planting cuttings, make sure to plant the bottom of the cutting into the soil and the leaves above the soil.
- Water the spearmint regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Apply a layer of mulche 2-3 inches around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Thin out when large enough to handle, so that they are finally 30cm apart.
- Provide additional water if necessary until the plants reach 30cm.
- Prune the tips of the mint regularly to encourage bushier growth.
- Harvest the leaves when it reaches 6 inches in height. Pick leaves just before the plant blooms to get the best flavour.
- Spearmint is easy to propagate from cuttings. Snip a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or soil for new roots to develop.
Heritage of Spearmint Herb
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) has a rich heritage dating back to ancient times. Believed to be native to the Mediterranean region, spearmint has been valued for its culinary, medicinal, and aromatic properties. It was used by ancient Greeks to scent bathwater, and the Romans brought it to Britain where it continued to be cultivated for various purposes. Spearmint has been traditionally used to make teas, flavour food and beverages, and for its aromatic qualities in potpourris and sachets. Its name is derived from the pointed shape of its leaves. Over the centuries, spearmint has become a popular herb worldwide, cherished for its refreshing flavour and scent. Today, spearmint is widely cultivated in gardens and is a common ingredient in culinary dishes, beverages, and natural remedies. It holds cultural significance and remains a versatile herb with a heritage deeply rooted in human history.| Plant Height | 30 - 60 cm (1 - 2 feet) |
|---|---|
| Season of Interest | Summer to early Autumn |
| Temperature Range | 10 - 24°C (50 - 75°F) |
| Annual / Perennial / Biennial | Perennial |
| Frost Hardy / Tender | Frost Hardy |
| Full Sun / Part Sun / Shade | Part Shade |
| Sow Direct / Raise Seedlings | Raise seedlings |
| Seed Preparation | No specific preparation needed |
| Sowing Depth | 0.5 cm (0.2 inch) |
| Plant Spacing | 30 - 45 cm (12 - 18 inches) |
| Row Spacing | 60 cm (24 inches) |
| Watering | Regular watering, keep the soil consistently moist |
| Good Companion Plants | Cabbage and Broccoli, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Brassicas (Cauliflower, Kale), Lavender, Strawberries |
| Bad Companion Plants | Parsley, Chamomile |
| Pests | Aphids, Spider Mites, Whiteflies |
| Diseases | Powdery Mildew,Root Rot ,Rust |
HERB-MINT-SPEARMINT
$3.50
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When I started this journey in 2009, I found nothing existed commercially, that was reasonably priced and easy to use. There was a homemade system which I also found was not that user-friendly.
Then a friend of mine told me about a homemade method she used. However, when I tried her method, I found this also didn't suit my needs, as it too had flaws that I considered where important. It did not keep vermin out, did not have a lockable lid and (to me) looked unsightly in the garden.
