TheNaturePlanet

I believe that friends who like to grow some herbaceous plants at home have all grown mint before, as it can bring a fresh taste to the mouth. However, there is another common herbaceous plant that looks very similar to mint, and that is spearmint. So, how can we quickly distinguish them in daily cultivation?
Generally speaking, friends who are not very familiar with herbaceous plants often mistake mint for spearmint. But in fact, as long as they are placed side by side, there are still differences in their appearance and leaves. The leaves of spearmint are relatively thin and a bit rounder in shape. The length of the leaves is about 3 to 7 centimeters, and the width is about 1 to 2 centimeters, with serrated edges. While the leaves of mint are relatively wider and larger than those of spearmint. The length of the mint leaves is 5 to 10 centimeters, and the width is about 2 to 4 centimeters, and the edges are also serrated. Both plants have light purple flowers after blooming. Besides light purple, the flowers of spearmint also have a white color, which mint doesn't have. And in addition to light purple, mint also has a light red color.
Secondly, they can also be distinguished by their growth environments. Spearmint likes warm and humid environments and has high requirements for sunlight. It can't tolerate semi-shade. On the other hand, mint has stronger adaptability. Besides being able to survive in sunlight, it can also grow in semi-shady places. In terms of soil, neither of the two herbaceous plants has high requirements, but mint prefers sandy soil with good drainage.
Finally, they can also be distinguished by their edible methods. Spearmint is mainly used in cooking pastries, candies and other kinds of food. While the stems and leaves of mature mint, due to their special fragrance, can repel mosquitoes and insects. At the same time, as a flavoring agent, it can also be used as a spice, and can be used to mix with wine or make tea, etc., having the effects of refreshing, reducing internal heat and so on. Generally speaking, although both spearmint and mint belong to herbaceous plants, they are different in appearance, growth environment and edible methods. Therefore, when choosing to buy them, you need to choose the variety that suits you according to your actual needs and maintenance conditions.