### Spearmint **Latin Name:** Mentha spicata ### Features 1. **Appearance**: Bright green leaves with a serrated edge and a distinct minty aroma. 2. **Growth Habit**: Perennial herb with a creeping root system, growing up to 3 feet tall. 3. **Flowers**: Small, lilac or pink flowers that bloom in the summer. 4. **Hardiness**: Hardy in USDA zones 3-11. ### Benefits 1. **Culinary Uses**: Adds a fresh flavor to beverages, salads, sauces, and desserts. 2. **Healthful Benefits**: Known for its soothing effects on digestion and used herbally for nausea, headaches, and respiratory issues. 3. **Aromatic**: Often used in teas, essential oils, and aromatherapy for its calming and refreshing scent. 4. **Pest Repellent**: Acts as a natural deterrent against certain pests like ants, aphids, and mosquitoes. ### Uses 1. **Culinary**: Commonly used in teas, mojitos, salads, and as a garnish. 2. **Health**: Used herbally for its digestive and respiratory benefits. 3. **Cosmetic**: Incorporated in toothpastes, mouthwashes, and skin care products. 4. **Gardening**: Can be planted as a ground cover or in containers to repel pests. ### Growing Spearmint from Seed 1. **Seed Preparation**: - Start seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last frost date. 2. **Sowing Seeds**: - Fill seed trays or pots with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix. - Sprinkle seeds on the surface and lightly press them into the soil, but do not cover them completely. - Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. 3. **Germination**: - Place trays in a warm, sunny location or under grow lights. - Maintain a temperature of 70-75F (21-24C). - Seeds should germinate in 10-15 days. ### Garden Care 1. **Transplanting**: - Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost when they are about 2-3 inches tall. - Space plants 12-18 inches apart in well-drained soil with partial to full sun. 2. **Watering**: - Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. - Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. 3. **Fertilizing**: - Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season. - Avoid excessive fertilization, which can lead to weak, spindly growth. 4. **Pruning**: - Regularly pinch off the tips of the plants to encourage bushier growth. - Remove any flowering stems to maintain the plant's vitality and flavor. 5. **Pest and Disease Control**: - Monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites; treat with insecticidal soap if needed. - Ensure good air circulation around plants to prevent fungal diseases. 6. **Harvesting**: - Harvest leaves as needed, preferably in the morning when the essential oils are most concentrated. - For drying, cut stems before the plant flowers and hang them in a cool, dark place. ### Additional Tips - **Container Growing**: Spearmint can be invasive, so growing it in containers can help control its spread. - **Winter Care**: In colder climates, mulch around the base of the plant to protect it during the winter months. - **Companion Planting**: Spearmint can be a good companion plant for cabbages and tomatoes, helping to deter pests. By following these guidelines, you can successfully grow and enjoy spearmint in your garden. =s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s==s=s=s=s=s=s=s= Free shipping to Canada- and USA Selected seeds only Add this item to your cart and keep shopping-- at https://www.ebay.ca/usr/okiger-2i55iwk =s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s==s=s=s=s=s=s=s= Shipping of Seeds and Cuttings: Orders are shipped via Canada Post Mail unless otherwise specified. Some items are shipped without tracking to keep costs low. This is the most economical option. Canada Post is incredibly reliable, but can be slow. If you require tracking or a faster delivery please message before ordering. We try to ship any live plants on MONDAYS or TUESDAYS as a precautionary measure to avoid delays over the weekend and ensure the viability of live plant orders. Weather may be a contributing factor in the processing of our orders and will occasionally cause some delay. We will ship seeds anywhere in the world, however, please make sure you check with your country's customs office to be sure that they are allowed in. We will not be held responsible for orders held, confiscated and/or destroyed by customs. Please note this and make sure you understand before you buy it. If you have a question or if you are unclear about shipping policies please contact us. We welcome questions! Contact us before, after, or during any transaction and you will receive a reply ASAP. Thanks for visiting! Don't forget to bookmark us!