Mint
Mentha spicata
Also known asSpearmint · Garden mint · Mentha · Common mint
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 3–11 (winter low around -40°C)
- Frost
- very hardy (survives deep cold)
- Season
- cool (spring/fall)
Growing systems
Root mass: heavy. Thin-channel systems can't hold this crop.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockwool (Mineral wool) | alkaline until pre-soaked | very high | low |
| Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) | neutral / inert | low | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Net pot, no medium (Bare-root) | - | - | - |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.8 |
| vegetative | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1.7 |
Companion-growing notes
- Heavy uptake of nitrogen, potassium. Co-grown crops with the same demand will end up deficient even at "correct" EC.
- Releases root compounds that can inhibit other crops in a shared reservoir.
- High transpiration. Regular reservoir top-ups needed during fruiting.
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
An extremely easy, aggressively growing hydroponic herb. EC 1.0-2.0 mS/cm. pH 5.5-7.0. Temperature: 10–28°C (wide range; most species prefer cool to moderate conditions). Low to moderate light (DLI 10-18 mol/m2/day; mint tolerates shade better than most herbs). Any hydroponic system works. Propagation by stem cuttings (root in water in 5-7 days) or by division of existing clumps. Growth is vigorous to aggressive; in shared hydroponic systems, mint runners can invade neighboring plants' space. Give it a dedicated container or section. Harvest by cutting stems 5 cm above the base; the plant regrows rapidly. Pinch flower buds to maintain leaf production (flowering reduces leaf quality). For tea: steep 8-12 fresh leaves in hot water for 5 minutes. For Moroccan mint tea: steep spearmint with green gunpowder tea and pour with sugar from a height to aerate. Fresh mint for cocktails (mojitos, mint juleps, gin and tonic with mint) should be spearmint; peppermint is too intense. One mint plant produces more herb than most households can use; the excess can be dried, made into mint syrup, or composted.