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Bright green spearmint leaves in a herb bedHerbs

Mentha spicata

Spearmint

mintculinary herbtea plantfast-growingmoisture-loving

Spearmint is a vigorously growing culinary herb with bright green, aromatic leaves and small purple flower spikes in summer. Its refreshing menthol scent makes it indispensable for teas, cocktails, and desserts. Mint spreads rapidly via runners and should be planted within boundaries.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Partial shade, Full sun
Water
High
Height
30–60 cm
Spread
40–100 cm
Hardiness zone
3–11
Family
Lamiaceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
purple
Wildlife value
bees, butterflies

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in partial shade or sun in moist, fertile soil. Ideally plant in a pot or contain the roots with a buried barrier to prevent spreading. Water generously, especially in summer. Feed monthly with liquid fertiliser.

Pruning tips

Harvest the tips regularly to keep the plant compact and productive. Cut off flower spikes as soon as they appear to encourage leaf production. In autumn, cut everything back and cover with compost.

Good companions

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Thymus vulgaris

Common Thyme

Common thyme is a compact, evergreen herb with small aromatic leaves and pink to white flowers. The plant is indispensable in the herb garden and blooms in June and July, when bees flock to it in droves. Thyme thrives best on dry, lean soil in full sun.

Full sunLow15–30 cm
Blue flowers and needle-like foliage of rosemary in springHerbs

Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary

Rosemary is an aromatic, evergreen sub-shrub with needle-like deep-green foliage and small blue flowers in spring. The plant gives off a warm, resinous scent and is prized both in the kitchen and the ornamental garden. Rosemary thrives in warm, dry spots and is highly drought-tolerant.

Full sunLow60–150 cm
Glossy green basil leaves in a sunny herb bedHerbs

Ocimum basilicum

Sweet Basil

Sweet Basil is an annual culinary herb with glossy green, aromatic leaves that are indispensable in Italian cooking. The plant produces small white flowers in summer, but is mainly grown for its fragrant foliage. Basil is not frost-hardy and must be sown or bought fresh each year.

Full sunMedium30–60 cm