Mentha spicata (Garden mint)

Mentha spicata known as Garden Mint or Spearmint is a common herb found in the Lamiaceae Family. A small shrub like plant, Mint is native to Europe and is well known for its strong aromatic smell and taste. Mint produces a molecule called menthol which gives its taste as well as that cold sensation we all know well. Furthermore, Mint produces other essential oils used for flavouring of foods and various traditional medicines. They naturally grow in meadows and fields or near shores of rivers or lakes.

Mint blooms during summer to fall were bears various different coloured flowers such as blue to purple, pink to red and white. These flowers are fragrant and attract butterflies and other pollinators.

A fast-growing perennial herb, Mint prefers full sun to partial sun with at least 2-3 hours of direct sunlight. They like plenty of water especially during summer however it is important not to keep the soil waterlogged thus leave period for the soil to dry out.

They are great container plants and benefit from occasional pruning. It can easily be propagated by division or cutting stems.