Denver Plants

Common name: "Spearmint"
Latin name: Mentha spicata

Spearmint - Mentha spicata
Zone: 3 - 7  Perennial

Native to area:
No, Europe and the Mediterranean

Growth habit:
Spreading groundcover. 24" - 36" in height and 36" in width

Flowers: Yes, bell shaped purplish or white flowers during summer
Companion plant-able:
Yes
Sunshine:
Water: Pictured Herbs: "Spearmint"
Mentha spicata
Herbs Cultural information: "Spearmint" is quite easy to grow. It will readily make itself at home in full sun to partial shade in moist soil. Most gardeners don't have any trouble growing it.... they have trouble containing it. One should frequently harvest or cut back Spearmint to keep it looking its best. Remove old woody plants to allow newer, younger plants to fill in. 

At the end of the growing season cut Spearmint plants back to ground level. Great for cooking and Mint Juleps.

Uses: Aromatic, Cosmetic, Craft, Culinary, Medicinal and Ornamental
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Harvesting & Storage: All of the plants in the Mentha family are best used fresh... but they can be dried or frozen. Mint is very hardy and can be harvested as soon as new growth appears in the spring. Young new growth is the most fragrant and flavorful... but all leaves are edible. 

Hang small bunches upside down in a dry, dark, warm area to dry. Leaves can be dried on paper or on screens. Store dried leaves in an air tight container.

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