Spearmint | Tiny Town Farms
Sweet, Refreshing, and Pesticide-Free | Hydroponically Grown for Peak Freshness and Flavor
| Nutrient | Amount | %RDI |
|---|---|---|
Calories | 6 kcal | — |
Vitamin A | 420 IU | 8% |
Vitamin C | 3 mg | 5% |
Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% |
Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% |
FAQs About Spearmint
Spearmint is milder and sweeter, with lower menthol levels, making it ideal for cooking and daily use.
Absolutely – fresh spearmint makes a gentle and calming tea, especially when blended with lemon or honey.
It’s not certified organic, but it is grown pesticide-free and without soil in a clean, hydroponic environment.
Yes! Spearmint is gentle enough to infuse into toners, face mists, and steam baths.
Farming Notes
Spearmint
Cultivated since at least the first century CE, spearmint is a plant that grows wild in Europe and Asia, from France to Southern China. Due to its spreading habit, spearmint has naturalized in parts of South and North America, as well as in Africa. Mentha spicata, also known as garden mint and common mint, is a perennial herb that needs minimal care in the garden.
Spearmint is a vigorous-growing plant that spreads by its roots. In fact, it is so tough it can take over gardens, so they are usually planted in pots to keep them contained. Spearmint is an herbaceous plant, meaning it has no woody stem above ground. The plants usually grow between one and three feet tall and produce a multitude of bright green leaves 5-10 cm long by 1-3cm large.
Hardy to zone 4 in Canada, spearmint will flower from July to September and bear many small white to purple flowers. The scent of mint carried by a breeze is one of the pleasures of gardening. Spearmint is truly a must-have in perennial gardens. The leaves can be used fresh to flavour food or garnish cocktails, or dried to make a soothing cup of tea.
Mint is an aggressive grower with a powerful menthol fragrance. It makes a wonderful cup of herbal tea and will add refreshing color and flavour to cold summer drinks and salads.
Mint seeds should be started indoors 4 weeks before the last frost date, or you can sow seeds outside in mid spring. Cover seeds very lightly with soil and water well. Transplant seedlings outdoors a couple weeks after the last spring frost. Space plants a good 60 cm apart, as they will grow quickly and soon fill in the open space.
Mint can be planted into the garden inside bottomless pots to prevent the roots from running rampant through other areas of the garden. Mint does grow well with many vegetables if it is confined to its own space. Its strong fragrance will deter pests and the flowers will draw in an abundance of beneficial pollinators.
Mint thrives in moist conditions, but if soil is kept on the dryer side, it won’t spread so vigorously. Mint should be well pruned to keep it in check. Cut back woody stems to promote lush, new growth.
Harvest leaves as needed throughout the year. Cutting the entire plant back to 6 cm above the ground halfway through the season will rejuvenate the plant and allow for a second harvest. To prepare for winter, cut the mint to the ground in the late fall and cover with mulch to insulate it from freezing temperatures.
Quick Facts
- Spearmint was found in early versions of toothpaste dating back to the 1300s.
- During the American Revolution, spearmint was used as a cash crop in Connecticut. Mint tea was a popular drink, as it was not taxed.
- Ancient Egyptian medical text dating as early as 1550 BC includes mint.
- Spearmint seeds will remain viable for 2 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.
Planting Details
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Latin name:Mentha spicata
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Life Cycle:Perennial
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Days to Maturity:90
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Canada Hardiness Zone:4-9
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Planting Depth:2-3 mm
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Plant Spacing:45-60 cm
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Growth Habit:30-60 cm tall
Spearmint
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Pesticide-Free & Non-GMOClean, safe, and nutrient-rich
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Sustainably GrownUsing 90% less water than traditional farming
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Why Choose Hydroponic Spearmint
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Longer shelf life
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Free from soil contaminants
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Packed with vitamins and minerals
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Harvested at the Peak of Freshness
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Flavor Profile:Sweet, slightly cool, with light herbal undertones and low menthol sharpness
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Texture:Soft, oval-shaped leaves with smooth edges and delicate stems
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Scientific Name:Mentha spicata
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Family:Lamiaceae
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Variety:Spearmint
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Type:Culinary & Medicinal Herb
Spearmint gets its name from the spear-shaped leaf tips and has been used since ancient Greece for medicinal and culinary purposes. Unlike peppermint, it contains less menthol and is better suited for gentle flavoring.
At Tiny Town Farms, we grow spearmint hydroponically in a controlled environment, ensuring high leaf quality, stronger aroma, and no soil contact.
- Vibrant green leaves with a fresh, sweet scent
- Upright, hydrated stems and plump leaf texture
- Limp or yellowing leaves
- Faded aroma or brittle stems
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Beverages:Add to mojitos, mint lemonades, iced teas, and smoothies
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Culinary:Use in tzatziki, tabbouleh, mint chutney, lamb dishes, and spring rolls
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Aromatherapy/Skincare:Infuse into balms or toners for a calming, cooling effect
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Pro Tip:Gently tear the leaves before adding to drinks or salads to release full flavor without bruising them.
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Short-Term:Store in a glass of water, loosely covered at room temperature
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Fridge:Wrap gently in damp paper towel and place in a vented container
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Freezing:Chop and freeze in olive oil or make herb cubes for use in sauces or teas
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Do not wash before storage – wash right before use to extend freshness.
Recommended Recipes:
- [Cucumber & Spearmint Yogurt Dip] (link)
- [Cucumber & Spearmint Yogurt Dip] (link)
- [Grilled Lamb with Spearmint Sauce] (link)
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Soothes digestion and may support respiratory health
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Contains natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds
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May support focus and stress relief when used aromatically
- Grown Hydroponically Using 90% Less Water
- Pesticide-Free, Non-GMO, and Harvested at their Peak of Freshness
- Eco-Friendly Packaging for Minimal Waste
Why Hydroponic Farming?
- Uses significantly less water than traditional farming
- No synthetic pesticides or fertilizers
- Protects crops from soil-borne diseases and contamination
- Reduces the carbon footprint with year-round production
- Grown indoors with zero exposure to weather, pests, or contaminants – resulting in consistent, gourmet-quality
| Nutrient | Amount | %RDI |
|---|---|---|
Calories | 6 kcal | — |
Vitamin A | 420 IU | 8% |
Vitamin C | 3 mg | 5% |
Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% |
Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% |