Botanical profile

Thai mint

Latin name
Mentha spicata
Common name
Thai mint
Type
Perennial aromatic herb
Family
Lamiaceae

Thai mint is a perennial aromatic plant highly valued for its fragrant foliage, which is fresh, minty, and slightly spicy. Its distinctive aroma adds an exotic touch to herb gardens, edible containers, planters, and patio pots. It is particularly appealing to Asian cuisine enthusiasts, where its fresh leaves can flavor soups, fresh rolls, salads, noodle dishes, sauces, marinades, and spicy recipes.

Easy to grow, Thai mint prefers a location in soft sun or partial shade, in fertile, fresh, and well-drained soil. It appreciates regular watering to produce tender, flavorful, and aromatic foliage. Like most mints, it can spread quickly in the ground, so it is recommended to grow it in pots or a confined space to better control its growth. Frequent pruning promotes a denser, more productive, and easier-to-harvest plant.

Both fragrant, productive, and very versatile, Thai mint is ideal for creating a gourmet garden with more original flavors. Its leaves are best used fresh to retain their full aromatic intensity and freshness. It is an excellent plant for gardeners looking for an easy-to-grow, decorative herb that is perfect for enhancing Asian recipes, refreshing drinks, and summer dishes.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Fresh, aromatic foliage ideal for Thai cuisine, herbal teas, and refreshing drinks
Container, vegetable garden, herbs, Asian cuisine, herbal tea, cold drinks
Container growing
Container growing is recommended to control its spread
Seasonal care
Prune regularly to maintain a compact habit; grow in containers to control rhizomes; cut back in spring
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 3
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Regular; keep the soil moist without making it soggy
Humidity
Average to high humidity; prefers cool soil
Fertilization
Light compost in spring; moderate fertilization in pots
Soil type
Fertile, fresh, humus-rich and well-drained soil
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
-30°C
Propagation method
Division, cuttings, or runners
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer
Flower color
Pale mauve to pink
Foliage color
Bright green
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Spreading, bushy, and rhizomatous habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches)
Width
45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches)
Growth rate
Rapid growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Thai basil, cilantro, lemongrass, chilies
Spacing
45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches)
Harvest period
Spring to autumn leaves
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

Repellent
Helps repel certain pests

Repellent

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.