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Fast-spreading aromatic mint. Grow in pots to control spread. Mentha spicata (Spearmint / Pudina) is a vigorous rhizomatous perennial native to Europe and temperate Asia. Features bright green, wrinkled lance-shaped leaves with sweet spearmint fragrance (high carvone, no menthol cooling). Produces lilac/pink/white flower spikes in summer. Extremely aggressive spreader - MUST be contained in pots or with root barriers. Culinary staple for teas, mojitos, tabbouleh, lamb dishes, chutneys. Attracts bees and butterflies. Deer and rabbit resistant. Harvest leaves just before flowering for optimal flavor. Cut back after flowering to stimulate fresh growth.

Water when needed, but avoid overwatering. Keep it in a sunny spot with good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix.

### Potting & Planting Instructions for Pudina Mint 1. **Container Selection**: Choose a terracotta, ceramic, or nursery pot with generous drainage holes at the base. 2. **Soil Mix Recipe**: Use Well-draining garden soil enriched with 30% organic vermicompost. Adding a layer of coarse gravel or leca at the bottom enhances oxygenation. 3. **Planting Depth**: Position the plant at the exact same root collar depth as in its nursery container. Avoid burying stems too deep. 4. **Initial Settling**: After potting, water thoroughly until water drains freely, then place in bright indirect light for 3–5 days to acclimatize before moving to full sun.

Harvest mature stems/leaves as needed using clean sterilized pruning shears.

Pairs wonderfully with drought-tolerant companion plants and complementary herbs & medicinal varieties.

Origin Country

Europe to China (native); widely naturalized worldwide

Climate Zone

USDA 3-9 (very hardy perennial)

Alternative Names

Spearmint, Common Mint, Garden Mint, Garden Spearmint, Lamb Mint, Mackerel Mint, Mary's Herb, Yerbabuena

Plant Age

Leaves harvestable in 30 days; flowers in first summer

Pot Size

Container 3+ gallons (to contain spread); deep containers with root barriers recommended

Mature Height

1-1.5 ft

Mature Width

4-6 inches

Growth Rate

Very Fast

Soil Mix

Moist rich

Germination

7-14 days at 20°C (usually propagated by division/cuttings)

Blooming Season

Summer (July-September); lilac/pink/white flowers in dense terminal spikes

Fruiting Season

Seeds ripen September-October (produces viable seed unlike peppermint)

Flower Color

Lilac, pink, or white (small tubular flowers in dense terminal spikes)

Fruit Color

Small brown/black nutlets

Yield / Year

Continuous leaf harvest spring through autumn

Lifespan

Perennial; lives many years, spreads aggressively via rhizomes and stolons

Rootstock

Rhizomatous; propagated by division, root cuttings, or seed

Toxicity Info

TOXIC to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested in large quantities - essential oils cause vomiting and diarrhea. Low severity for humans. Caution: essential oil in very large doses can cause abortions.