Spearmint

(Spear Mint or Spearmint) is a species of mint.

In the Wild

Spearmint typically occurs in moist habitats, including stream sides and drainage ditches. If placed, it can grow anywhere, with a few exceptions.

Where to grow

Spearmint generally grows best in moist, shaded locations, and it expands fast. So for the home gardener, it is often grown in containers to restrict rapid spreading. Keeping in mind, it grows best with a good supply of water, without being water-logged, and planted in areas with part-sun to shade.

Harvesting

Spearmint leaves and flowering tops are collected as soon as the flowers begin to open. For a full harvest cut the stems 1 inch from the ground. You can get two or three harvest like this in one growing season. You can also just pick the leaves as needed for fresh use. After a full harvesting the leaves and tops may be dried, distilled, frozen or they may be used fresh.

Found in

Spearmint is a very popular flavor of chewing gum. It is also used as a flavoring in all sorts of toothpaste, candy, and shaving creams. It also is a flavor of a host of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Health

Spearmint is steeped as tea for the treatment of stomach ache.

Other ideas and information

Bees love the mint Flower.