Mint at a glance
| Botanical name | Mentha spicata |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Other names | spearmint |
| Plant type | Herb; perennial herb |
| Size | 1 to 2 feet tall and wide, spreading |
| Light | Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sun); Part shade (2 to 6 hours of sun) |
| Water | Keep the soil moist; mint handles wetter spots than most herbs. |
| Soil | Moist, fertile soil. |
| USDA hardiness zones | Hardy in zones 4 to 9. |
| USDA PLANTS symbol | MESP3 |
When to plant mint
Plant in spring after the last frost.
Turn these into real dates for your area with the planting calendar.
How to grow mint
- Plant in a container, or sink a bottomless pot into the bed to stop runners.
- Give full sun or light shade.
- Water to keep the soil moist.
- Cut stems often for use; this keeps the plant bushy.
- Divide crowded pots every few years.
Water and soil
Water: Keep the soil moist; mint handles wetter spots than most herbs.
Soil: Moist, fertile soil.
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sun); Part shade (2 to 6 hours of sun).
Common problems
- Takes over the bed
- Runners spread fast. Grow in pots or pull runners regularly.
- Rust
- Orange spots on leaves. Cut back affected stems and improve air flow.
Is mint safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic
Toxic
The ASPCA lists Mint (Mentha sp.) as toxic to cats and toxic to dogs. Signs it lists include: vomiting and diarrhea with large ingestions. ASPCA entry.
NC State Extension rates its poison severity for people and animals as low.
If a pet chews a plant and you are worried, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435; a fee may apply). For people, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. In an emergency, call 911.
Can you eat mint?
Leaves and flowers are used fresh or dried in teas and food.
Mint questions
Is mint toxic to cats and dogs?
The ASPCA lists mint as toxic to cats and dogs; large amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
How do I stop mint from spreading?
Grow it in a pot, or plant it inside a buried container with the bottom removed. Pull any runners that escape.
Does mint come back every year?
Yes. Spearmint is a perennial in zones 4 to 9 and returns each spring.
Sources
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Mentha spicata (size, light, soil, zones, poison rating)
- USDA PLANTS Database profile: Mentha spicata L. (accepted name)
- ASPCA: Mint (pet toxicity)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: plants toxic and non-toxic to cats
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: plants toxic and non-toxic to dogs
Written in our own words from the sources above. See our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
