English Mint (Spearmint)

English Mint (Spearmint) - Mentha spicata (Mentha crispa, Mentha viridis).
Perennial herb with a height of up to 70 cm. Stem branching, densely leafy. Leaves on petioles, oblong-ovate, flowers small, corolla purple-pink or reddish-violet. Mint is an excellent honey plant. Mint is used for inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, bronchitis. Mint is added as a herb to various dishes and dry mixes. Mint is light-loving, loves moist and fertile soil. The vegetation period is 70-80 days. Can also be grown in room conditions. The seeds are sown 1-1.5 cm deep in open ground in early spring. Germinates at a temperature of +10+12°C, the optimal temperature for seed germination is +20+25°C. To obtain seedlings, the seeds are sown in the stage. Sprung growths are thinned according to the scheme 5x5 cm.

* Growing mint from seeds is quite a difficult task, so it is not recommended for beginner gardeners.
If this method of propagation is chosen, then the seeds are sown in pots or trays with slightly damp soil. The depth of seed placement is no more than 0.5 cm. The tray with seeds should be placed in a shaded place with a temperature of +21+24°C and covered with transparent film until they germinate (usually this takes 7-16 days). When the seedlings grow up, they should be transplanted into pots with a diameter of at least 8 cm and placed in cooler conditions in order to gradually acclimatize young mint bushes to external conditions.
After 7-10 days, you can begin planting in open ground, placing the seedlings in sunny areas or in partial shade at a distance of 30 cm from each other.
In addition, mint grows well in containers, where its rapid growth is controlled. The easiest way to grow mint is by cuttings.
To do this, you need to cut a branch (about 10 cm) on which the node with leaves is located, to allow the new bush to grow in its place. First, the branch should be placed in a glass of water. Within a week, small white roots will begin to appear on it, located under water. You need to wait a few days (5-7) for the roots to develop to a decent length. Add water to the glass as needed.
If you plan to plant a new bush in the ground, it is better to start growing mint in the spring, when there is no frost outside.
Regardless of whether the mint will grow in open ground or indoors, the cuttings are planted at a depth of 5 cm with a distance of 15 cm from each other.
The best place for its habitat will be one that is mainly illuminated by the rays of the morning sun with moist and fertile soil with a pH level of 6.0-7.0. Regular feeding with mineral fertilizers and mulching will not hurt it.
Application: similar in application to peppermint. Adding a few spearmint leaves to other spices enhances and ennobles their taste and smell. Mentha spicata leaves are taken internally as a carminative and externally for aromatic baths. Mentha piperita oil is used externally for rubbing, ointments and plasters as a pain reliever.

Eng.: English Mint, Spearmint. Bot.syn.: Mentha viridis L., Mentha spicata var. ciliata, Mentha crispa.