Common Name: Spearmint

General Information

Mentha spicata is an erect, herbaceous perennial plant growing from a rhizomatous rootstock. It produces a cluster of stems up to 60cm tall, spreading widely when in a suitable position
Spearmint is a frequently used herb, being employed as a domestic herbal remedy, as a food flavouring and source of essential oils. It is commonly grown in gardens and is also grown on a commercial scale , especially for its essential oils and leaves[].

Known Hazards

Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species, large quantities of some members of this genus, especially when taken in the form of the extracted essential oil, can cause abortions so some caution is advised.

Botanical References

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Range

Western, central and southern Europe, through the Caucasus and Turkey to the Himalayas and China

Habitat

Roadsides and waste places, usually in damp soils and sunny positions[, , , ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Bees, Lepidoptera, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Mentha spicata is a very cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -35°c when fully dormant.
A very easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils and situations so long as the soil is not too dry[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. A sunny position is best for production of essential oils, but it also succeeds in partial shade[]. Prefers partial shade and a slightly acid soil[, ].
Often grown as a culinary herb in the herb garden, spearmint is also commercially cultivated, especially for its essential oil, the yields are about 3.5 to 4.5 kilos per tonne of leaves. There are some named varieties[, ].
Most mints have fairly aggressive spreading roots and, unless you have the space to let them roam, they need to be restrained by some means such as planting them in containers that are buried in the soil[].
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.
The whole plant has a strong spearmint smell.
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. A strong spearmint flavour, they are used as a flavouring in salads or cooked foods[, , , ]. The leaves are often used in 'mint sauce', which is used as a flavouring in meals[].

A herb tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves[, ]. It has a very pleasant and refreshing taste of spearmint, leaving the mouth and digestive system feeling clean[].

An essential oil from the leaves and flowers is used as a flavouring in sweets, ice cream, drinks etc[, , ]. A spearmint flavour[].

Medicinal

Spearmint is a commonly used domestic herbal remedy. The plant is antiemetic, antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, restorative, stimulant and stomachic[, , , ]. A tea made from the leaves has traditionally been used in the treatment of fevers, headaches, digestive disorders and various minor ailments[].
The leaves should be harvested when the plant is just coming into flower, and can be dried for later use[].

The stems are macerated and used as a poultice on bruises[].

The essential oil in the leaves is antiseptic, though it is toxic in large doses[].

Both the essential oil and the stems are used in folk remedies for cancer[]. A poultice prepared from the leaves is said to remedy tumours[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Mint species are usually good bee and butterfly attractant plants, supplying them with good quality pollen and nectar[]
Mints are usually quite aromatic plants and they make good companions for cabbages and tomatoes, their aromatic nature helping to repel insect pests..

Other Uses

An essential oil is obtained from the whole plant, the yield is about 4K of oil from 1 tonne of leaves[, ]. The oil is used commercially as a food flavouring and oral hygiene preparation[].

The plant repels insects and was formerly used as an strewing herb[, , ]. Rats and mice intensely dislike the smell of mint. The plant was therefore used in homes as a strewing herb and has also been spread in granaries to keep the rodents off the grain[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination is usually fairly quick. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. Mentha species are very prone to hybridisation and so the seed cannot be relied on to breed true. Even without hybridisation, seedlings will not be uniform and so the content of medicinal oils etc will vary. When growing plants with a particular aroma it is best to propagate them by division[].
Division can be easily carried out at almost any time of the year, though it is probably best done in the spring or autumn to allow the plant to establish more quickly. Virtually any part of the root is capable of growing into a new plant. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. However, for maximum increase it is possible to divide the roots up into sections no more than 3cm long and pot these up in light shade in a cold frame. They will quickly become established and can be planted out in the summer.