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6 live bare root plants with 5–6" stems Field grown in Brattleboro, Vermont Washed clean of soil, mailed in moist medium
The mint julep mint. Kentucky Colonel (Mentha spicata 'Kentucky Colonel') is a spearmint cultivar selected for exactly the flavor profile you want in a glass with bourbon, crushed ice, and a little sugar. Broad, bright leaves with a clean, slightly sweet spearmint flavor that holds up against strong ingredients without disappearing. It's been associated with mint julep culture for generations — and for good reason.
Grow your own for next year's Derby, or just for having genuinely good mint in the garden. Ships bare root from our Vermont field.
Quick Facts
Botanical name:Mentha spicata 'Kentucky Colonel'
Flavor / Scent: Clean, slightly sweet spearmint
Best for: Mint juleps, cocktails, fresh garnish
USDA Zones: 5–9
Light: Full sun to part shade
Height: 24–36 in
Spread: Vigorous via rhizome
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Of Interest
The 'Kentucky Colonel' cultivar is one of the most recognized named spearmint selections in American herb culture, though its documented origin is somewhat murky. It's widely associated with Southern hospitality and mint julep tradition, and has been grown at Churchill Downs and in historic Kentucky gardens. Spearmint's primary flavor compound is L-carvone, which gives it a cleaner, cooler profile than peppermint's menthol-dominant bite — making it the preferred mint for juleps, where the spirit's own character needs room to show through.
Source: Missouri Botanical Garden — Mentha spicata | USDA PLANTS — Mentha spicata
6 live bare root plants with 5–6" stems Field grown in Brattleboro, Vermont Washed clean of soil, mailed in moist medium
The mint julep mint. Kentucky Colonel (Mentha spicata 'Kentucky Colonel') is a spearmint cultivar selected for exactly the flavor profile you want in a glass with bourbon, crushed ice, and a little sugar. Broad, bright leaves with a clean, slightly sweet spearmint flavor that holds up against strong ingredients without disappearing. It's been associated with mint julep culture for generations — and for good reason.
Grow your own for next year's Derby, or just for having genuinely good mint in the garden. Ships bare root from our Vermont field.
Quick Facts
Botanical name:Mentha spicata 'Kentucky Colonel'
Flavor / Scent: Clean, slightly sweet spearmint
Best for: Mint juleps, cocktails, fresh garnish
USDA Zones: 5–9
Light: Full sun to part shade
Height: 24–36 in
Spread: Vigorous via rhizome
Free Shipping
Of Interest
The 'Kentucky Colonel' cultivar is one of the most recognized named spearmint selections in American herb culture, though its documented origin is somewhat murky. It's widely associated with Southern hospitality and mint julep tradition, and has been grown at Churchill Downs and in historic Kentucky gardens. Spearmint's primary flavor compound is L-carvone, which gives it a cleaner, cooler profile than peppermint's menthol-dominant bite — making it the preferred mint for juleps, where the spirit's own character needs room to show through.
Source: Missouri Botanical Garden — Mentha spicata | USDA PLANTS — Mentha spicata