plant

Spearmint

Mentha spicata

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) — a plant, for Part sun, Medium water. Companions: Tomato, Cabbage.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade
Watermedium to high

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomassmedium
Pollinator_serviceshigh

Companions

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceNew shoots emerge in spring after the last frost and when soil temperatures consistently reach 5°C.
floweringFlowers typically appear in mid-summer, triggered by lengthening days.
harvestLeaves can be harvested from late spring through summer, approximately 60 days after emergence.
senescenceFoliage begins to die back with the first autumn frosts.

Soil interactions

Drainagemoist but well-drained
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalNo
Accumulatespotassium, calcium
Soil textureloam, sandy_loam, clay_loam
Organic matterMedium
Compaction toleranceMedium

Propagation

Methodscuttings, division, seed
Difficulty1 / 5
Establishes in~1 yr
Stratificationnot_required
Self-seedingModerate
Divisionspring

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, butterflies, hoverflies
Repelsaphids, fleas, ants, cabbage_moth
Can host diseasesmint rust