Spearmint is also known as Garden Mint, Common Mint, Lamb Mint and Mackerel Mint.

Spearmint is native to the Peninsula and Turkey.

Spearmint growing countries in the world are Europe, Japan, England, France, Italy, USA, Bulgaria, Russia and India.

In India, Uttar Pradesh is the largest Spearmint producing state, contributing 80% to 90% of the total production followed by Punjab, Haryana, Bihar and Himachal Pradesh.

India is the largest exporter in the world market and exports are around 20 to 21 thousand tones annually.

• Kingdom:  Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Order: Lamiales
• Family:  Lamiaceae
• Genus: Mentha 
• Species: spicata

Leaves are the most economically important part of Spearmint and are used for the extraction of oil

Spearmint grows well in nearly all temperate climates.

The mean temperature between 20°C - 40°C during major part of the growing period and rainfall between 100-110 cm is ideal for its growth.

Well drained loam or sandy loam soils rich in organic matter having pH between 6 and 8.2 are ideally suited for Spearmint cultivation.

Spearmint can also be cultivated on both red and black soil. In case of acidic soil having pH less than 5.5, liming is recommended. 

• Biotic Causes:
  • Major Pests: Aphids, Cutworms, Thrips and Spider Mites.
    
  • Major Diseases: Anthracnose, Black Stem Rot, Leaf Blight, Phoma Leaf Spot and Rust.
• Abiotic Causes:
  • Leaf fall
  • Yellowing