Spearmint Plant
Basic Tips For Growing The Hardy Spearmint Plant
Mentha spicata is a native to the Mediterranean, commonly known as spearmint plant. Spearmint and other types of mint can be invasive, spreading quickly via underground runners. Growing them in boxes or planters will control this. They have a light blue spear like flower, and are easy to grow. When fully grown they are 1 to 3 feet tall.
A spearmint plant will grow in any light, but the best is full sun or part shade. They can also take any type of soil, being a very tough performer, however a moist soil, light weight and somewhat rich in nutrients is optimal. A mint will grow even in drought conditions but prefers regular watering.
This plant is versatile, growing in USDA zones 1 to 24, and A2-3. Mint is a perennial that goes dormant in winter, and in colder areas dies off. It should be propagated every 3 years from its pervasive runner stems. This should be done when the plant is dormant --or in late fall or winter. Use a sharp knife to cut off pieces of 2 to 4 inches. Select the healthiest sections and take from close to the crown of the plant.
Take as many cuttings as possible. Fill a flat with soil, to about an inch from the top. Lay cuttings flat on top of the soil, then add another ½ inch of soil. Water thoroughly and place in a protected area or greenhouse. When stems and leaves are showing, move to a sunny area. Continue to water as needed.
Wait until the plants are 2-3 inches tall and check one to make sure that new roots have started. Then transplant each plant to a container and give liquid fertilizer. This process for propagating is appropriate for almost any perennial, as well as mint. Let plants remain in individual containers until they become dense, then transplant to permanent large boxes or containers, or into garden beds
A spearmint plant is useful as well as attractive. You can use leaves in cooking or as a garnish, either fresh or dried. Some dishes commonly using spearmint are lamb, fish, mint tea, candy, tabouli salad, and the ever popular mint jelly.
In addition to cooking, spearmint is thought to have healing properties. Suggested uses include alleviating nausea and headache, and it can even control skin blemishes. Just soak some fresh crushed leaves a small amount of witch hazel or rubbing alcohol, and apply with a cotton ball.
Spearmint has been used since ancient times for anti-inflammatory properties, and to alleviate embarrassing gas. Just brew up some spearmint tea to experience these and other benefits. It is easy to make sun tea from fresh leaves. Crush leaves into a quart or larger jar of water, cover and leave in hot sun for 5-6 hours and viola!
You don’t have to pay a retail store for fancy packaged merchandize. You will have all the curative properties of the spearmint plant right in your own backyard. And possibly the best use of all: Pick leaves, rinse, and chew for a natural breath freshener.