Peppermint and Spearmint are often considered for the same spot in the garden (container, ground cover, pollinator friendly). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Mentha × piperita 60 cm × 60 cm after 10 years
A tea and kitchen herb with a strong menthol scent: the dark green, toothed leaves are good fresh or dried in tea, lemonade and baking, and its…
Mentha spicata 60 cm × 60 cm after 10 years
One of the best-flavoured kitchen mints: its fresh, sweet-scented leaves go into tea, cold drinks, salads and meat dishes, and bees and butterflies…
|
Feature
|
Peppermint
|
Spearmint
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Perennial | Perennial |
| Size after 10 years | 60 cm × 60 cm | 60 cm × 60 cm |
| Ultimate size | 30–90 cm × 30–60 cm | 0.3–1 m × 30–60 cm |
| Growth rate | Fast | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay | Average garden soil, Clay |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | July–August, pink, purple | July–October, pink, white, purple |
| Water need | High | High |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Low |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 45 cm | 40 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic | Toxic |
| For cats | Toxic | Toxic |
| For children | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €4.70 | approx. €4.40 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 8, 2026
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