Types of Spearmint

Curly

• The curly or crispy spearmint is named for its twisted, pebbled leaves. It is one of the most common spearmint varieties and can be found in most plant nurseries. The plant is used more for its shape of foliage than the flavor and is regularly seen on plates as garnishes. It will grow in full sun or partial shade and produces lavender-colored flowers. It will grow 3 feet high and up to 3 feet in diameter. It can be an invasive plant and is best grown in a container.

Kentucky Colonel

• Kentucky Colonel, the recommended variety for an authentic mint julep, has a delicate flavor and tastes best when added to drinks such as the mojito. It grows large flat leaves with lilac flowers to heights of 2 feet in hardiness zones five to 11. The USDA Hardiness zones are 11 geographical zones throughout the United States differentiated by 10 degree increments for lowest and highest average temperatures.

Scotch Spearmint

• Scotch Spearmint, also known as American Apple Mint or Red Mint, is originally from Scotland and found its way to America in the early 1900s. Its leaves have a hint of red at the tips. This mint is the primary variety used to make spearmint oil which flavors chewing gum and other spearmint flavored foods. This variety grows 12 to 18 inches high and can tolerate full sun or partial shade. It will grow aggressively if not watched carefully or kept in a container.

Moroccan Mint

• Moroccan Mint, now a term used interchangeably with mint tea, presents a wonderful flavored tea. It grows easily, steeps well and will bloom in the summer. Moroccan Mint has a fresh and fragrant aroma with the platnt's flowers having a lavender color as well. This mint can grow in full sun and partial shade in a garden or container without other mint.