When to Plant Spearmint Seeds

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost of the season or sow directly into the garden after the last frost of the season.

Where to Plant Spearmint Seeds

Plant Spearmint in moist, nutrient-rich soils that are well drained and have access to partial sun (4-6 hours of sunlight per day). Spearmint will readily spread throughout the garden, so be sure to plant in areas where they are either allowed to do so or in areas where they are adequately blocked off from the rest of the garden.

How to Plant Spearmint Seeds

Spearmint seeds require light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them when planting. Learn more about germination light requirements here.

When started indoors, transplant into the garden once seedlings are a few inches tall 1-3 feet apart to allow room for spreading. When grown from seed, spread them onto moist soil via broadcasting and thin out weaker seedlings as time goes on. Do not bury the seed, as sunlight is needed for germination.

How to Harvest Spearmint

Spearmint can be continually harvested throughout the growing season. For the best flavor, harvest right before the plant blooms. Trim off yellowed leaves and cut back flower spikes to encourage more green growth. Leaves can be used fresh, or they can be hung to dry in a well-ventilated area.