Spearmint
Mentha spicata
Perennial (Zone 4)
Full to Partial Sun
12”-36” Tall
Plant 12”-18” Apart
 
Spearmint has aromatic leaves can be used culinarily to make tea, cocktails, or for cooking, as well as for it's scent in lotions and tinctures. Mint is very easy to grow, but can spread aggressively through shallow underground runners, so growing in containers, using edging, or having a containment plan isn’t a bad idea. Pick mint regularly for better production by either harvesting individual leaves or cutting whole stems on established plants. Cut the plants back to the ground for the fall for healthier and more prolific plants the following year. Again, they really like to spread, so consider yourself warned.