Editing Spearmint (section)

==Cultivation and harvest==
Spearmint grows well in nearly all temperate climates.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spearmint |url=https://www.plantgrower.org/spearmint.html |access-date=2022-05-02 |website=www.plantgrower.org |language=en}}</ref> Gardeners often grow it in pots or planters due to its invasive, spreading rhizomes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=StackPath |url=https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/aggressive-garden-plants.htm |access-date=2022-05-02 |website=www.gardeningknowhow.com|date=14 June 2021 }}</ref>

Spearmint leaves can be used fresh, dried, or frozen.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Fernandez |first1=Cory |last2=Rivera Wawrzyn |first2=Andrea |date=2024-05-07 |title=4 Ways to Preserve Fresh Mint for Later |url=https://www.thekitchn.com/gardening-101-how-to-preserve-fresh-mint-for-later-220864 |website=Kitchn |language=en |access-date=2022-05-02}}</ref> The leaves lose their aromatic appeal after the plant flowers. It can be dried by cutting just before, or right (at peak) as the flowers open, about one-half to three-quarters the way down the stalk (leaving smaller shoots room to grow).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-01-19 |title=Growing Mint Plants |url=https://maplesnmore.com/blog/growing-mint-plants/ |access-date=2022-05-02 |website=Maples N More Nursery |language=en-US}}</ref> Some dispute exists as to what drying method works best; some prefer different materials (such as plastic or cloth) and different lighting conditions (such as darkness or sunlight). The leaves can also be preserved in salt, sugar, sugar syrup, alcohol, or oil.