Spearmint care guide
Mentha spicata
Also known as: Garden mint, Common mint
Pets and children
Caution advised
Contains essential oils that can cause vomiting or diarrhea in dogs and cats that eat a lot of it; keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if eaten.
How often to water Spearmint
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- Likes moist soil: water thoroughly once the topsoil is dry, as a guide, and check each morning in midsummer when it dries fast.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 3 days
- The soil dries more slowly as it cools, so water once it is dry, as a guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 7 days
- The top dies back and the plant rests, so a light watering a few days after the soil dries is the guide.
Light and placement for Spearmint
Generally grows in sun to part shade, with an airy spot that gets morning sun as the guide; strong midsummer sun scorches the leaves, so move it to bright shade then.
Overwintering Spearmint
Overwintering guide: −10°C (14°F) or above
Very hardy and generally overwinters outdoors as a guide: the top dies back but the roots live on and sprout in spring, so keep the pot out of heavy frost and not bone dry.
Fertilizing and repotting Spearmint
Fertilizer
Needs little feeding: a little slow-release fertilizer or diluted liquid feed about once or twice a month in spring and fall, as a guide, and none in midsummer or winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Spearmint
- Planted in the ground, its runners spread and overwhelm the neighbors.
- Root-bound in its pot, the leaves shrink and the lower ones drop.
- Drying out in midsummer scorches and crisps the leaf tips.
Tips for growing Spearmint
- Grow it in a pot; in the ground, use a barrier or skip it.
- Cutting it back by half before the rainy season or after flowering brings fresh, tender leaves.
- Dividing and replanting every year or two restores its vigor.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
