Once the seedlings have grown into young plants, pot them on using a richer soil such as our Plantura Organic All Purpose Compost. When the risk of frost has passed, you can move them outdoors. Essential oils, in the last decade, have become quite popular in the last years due to many properties attributed to them, although not much rigorous research has been found to prove many of the (health benefits) claimed. However, do not forget that many of them produce an intense and great scent for your home. The estimation above is according to the University of California. However, the growing conditions they require are generally the same. Methods for propagation and preservation for these different mints are also highly similar. Stearn, W.T. (2004). Botanical Latin (4th (p/b)ed.). Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. ISBN 978-0-7153-1643-6. p. 499.

Vázquez-Fresno R, Rosana ARR, Sajed T, Onookome-Okome T, Wishart NA, Wishart DS. Herbs and spices- biomarkers of intake based on human intervention studies - a systematic review. Genes Nutr. 2019;14:18. doi:10.1186/s12263-019-0636-8 That said, spearmint dislike their roots sitting in waterlogged soil, especially during the colder months. To avoid this, place pots and containers on feet to ensure that any excess water can drain and avoid leaving potted mint plants outside in heavy rain.

Care of Spearmint

The next four types of mint have a long tradition in countries where tea drinking plays an important role. No wonder, then, that these mints are all particularly good for making tea. Moroccan mint (Mentha spicata var. crispa Morocco) From a distance, you may confuse them with each other. But if you look closely and give them a good taste, I’m sure you’ll be able to tell them apart soon enough.

Falcone PH, Nieman KM, Tribby AC, et al. The attention-enhancing effects of spearmint extract supplementation in healthy men and women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel trial. Nutr Res. 2019;64:24-38. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2018.11.012 Gullace, M. (2007-01-01). "Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the essential oils and methanol extract from Mentha longifolia L. ssp. longifolia". Food Chemistry. 103 (4): 1449–1456. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2006.10.061. ISSN 0308-8146.

How to Grow Spearmint

Spearmint leaves can be used fresh, dried, or frozen. [31] The leaves lose their aromatic appeal after the plant flowers. It can be dried by cutting just before, or right (at peak) as the flowers open, about one-half to three-quarters the way down the stalk (leaving smaller shoots room to grow). [32] Some dispute exists as to what drying method works best; some prefer different materials (such as plastic or cloth) and different lighting conditions (such as darkness or sunlight). The leaves can also be preserved in salt, sugar, sugar syrup, alcohol, or oil.

Peppermint is the classic among the mint varieties and is often found in gardens and on balconies. However, it is unclear where this type of mint originally comes from. What is certain is that it is a cross between the brook mint ( Mentha aquatica) and the green mint ( Mentha spicata). It is valued above all for its high menthol content and its peppery-spicy aroma. In cultivation, it is undemanding, perennial and hardy. The species and its subspecies have many synonyms, including Mentha crispa, Mentha crispata, and Mentha viridis.The name nana mint can actually refer to three types of mint: the species Mentha spicata var. crispa‘Nane’ or Mentha x piperita var . piperita‘Nana’– and also the Moroccan mint described above is sometimes called nana mint. However, the actual nana mint is Mentha spicata var. crispa‘Nane’. Spearmint and peppermint, at first glance, can be confused one with another. However, upon close inspection, their leaf shape, color, and hairiness make them distinguishable. a b " Mentha spicata subsp. spicata". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Archived from the original on 2019-07-08 . Retrieved 2019-07-14. Although there are more than 30 species of mint with different properties and flavours, the different species have a lot in common: first of all, their appearance. Of course, individual species and varieties differ in appearance, but many mints look very similar. So you don’t have to be an expert to spot a member of the mint genus. Grieve, Maud (1971). A Modern Herbal: The Medicinal, Culinary, Cosmetic and Economic Properties, Cultivation and Folk-lore of Herbs, Grasses, Fungi, Shrubs, & Trees with All Their Modern Scientific Uses, Volume 2.

Spearmint is a perennial herbaceous plant. It is 30–100cm (12–39in) tall, with variably hairless to hairy stems and foliage, and a wide-spreading fleshy underground rhizome from which it grows. The leaves are 3 + 1⁄ 2in) long and 1.5–3cm ( 1⁄ 2– 1 + 1⁄ 4in) broad, with a serrated margin. The stem is square-shaped, a defining characteristic of the mint family of herbs. Spearmint produces flowers in slender spikes, each flower pink or white in colour, 2.5–3mm (0.098–0.118in) long and broad. [12] [13] Spearmint flowers in the summer (from July to September in the northern hemisphere), [14] and has relatively large seeds, which measure 0.62–0.90mm (0.024–0.035in). [14] The name ''spear'' mint derives from the pointed leaf tips. [15]Tayarani-Najaran Z, Talasaz-Firoozi E, Nasiri R, Jalali N, Hassanzadeh M. Antiemetic activity of volatile oil from Mentha spicata and Mentha × piperita in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Ecancermedicalscience. 2013;7:290. doi:10.3332/ecancer.2013.290 Spearmint resembles peppermint, though spearmint plants have bright green leaves that are pointed, and lavender flower spikes that grow up to 4 inches (10 cm.) long. When planted in ideal conditions, spearmint will reach a mature height and width of 12 to 24 inches (31-61 cm.). Growing spearmint plants in the garden is a rewarding and useful experience. How to Grow Spearmint Richardson, Lisa Boalt (2014). Modern Tea: A Fresh Look at an Ancient Beverage. San Francisco: Chronicle Books. p.104. ISBN 978-1-4521-3021-7. Archived from the original on 2017-10-11 . Retrieved 2016-10-13. a b c Hussain, Abdullah I.; Anwar, Farooq; Shahid, Muhammad; Ashraf, Muhammad (September 2008). "Chemical Composition, and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Essential Oil of Spearmint ( Mentha spicata L.) From Pakistan". Journal of Essential Oil Research. 22 (1): 78–84. doi: 10.1080/10412905.2010.9700269. ISSN 1041-2905. S2CID 94606965.