Curly spearmint (Mentha spicata var. crispa)
Curly spearmint (Mentha spicata var. crispa) is an herb that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 50cm – 1.5m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Curly spearmint (Mentha spicata var. crispa).
This plant is commonly known as curly spearmint.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: curly spearmint
Scientific name: Mentha spicata var. crispa
Plant type: Herbs, Perennials
Habit: Bushy
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 50cm – 1.5m
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained, Poorly drained
Garden type: Informal Garden, Patio & Container Garden
Other characteristics: Plants for pollinators
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Curly spearmint (Mentha spicata var. crispa) – H. Zell, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Other types of Mentha to consider:
See all Mentha
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Curly spearmint (Mentha spicata var. crispa), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Curly spearmint (Mentha spicata var. crispa) is a plant that adapts to all types of soils, chalk, clay, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Mentha spicata var. crispa likes to grow in moist but well drained or humid or poorly drained soils.
Sunlight
Curly spearmint (Mentha spicata var. crispa) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Curly spearmint (Mentha spicata var. crispa) – H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
