When to Plant Mint in Zone 5

Mentha

Last updated: May 15, 2026 · Sources: USDA, NOAA, Cooperative Extension
Action Plan

Plant Mint in Zone 5

  • Start indoors: Apr 16
  • Transplant: May 14 — after last frost (Apr 30)
  • First harvest: Jul 25 (60–90 days)
⚠️ Don't plant before last frost (Apr 30) — cold snaps kill young transplants.
Last frost
Apr 30
First frost
Oct 5
Growing season
158 days
Quick Facts
Sunlight ⛅ Partial Sun
Water Needs 💧💧 Moderate
Spacing 18 inches apart
Planting Depth 0.25 inch
Min Soil Temp 55°F
Germination 10–15 days
Days to Maturity 60–90 days
Frost Tolerance Moderate frost tolerance
Soil pH 6.0–7.0
Difficulty Easy
What you'll need — Zone 5
🛒 Mint — Seeds & Supplies
  • 🌱 Mint Varieties Seed Set
  • 🌱 Large Container Pot
  • 🌱 Root Barrier

Search for these at your local garden center or nursery.

Growing Tips

  • Contain in a pot or it will take over the garden.
  • Plant in partial shade.
  • Pinch flower buds to keep leaves productive.
  • Different varieties worth growing for variety.
  • Divide clumps every 2–3 years.

Common Mistakes

  • Planting directly in garden beds.
  • Planting in full sun in hot climates.
  • Not pinching — flowering triggers tougher leaves.
  • Letting it dry out.

Companion Planting

Companion planting improves growth, deters pests, and makes better use of garden space.

✓ Good Companions

Tomato Cabbage

✗ Avoid Nearby

Parsley

Mint Schedule — All Zones

ZoneStart IndoorsTransplant Direct SowHarvest StartHarvest End
Zone 3 May 1 May 29 May 29 Aug 9 Sep 12
Zone 4 Apr 26 May 24 May 24 Aug 4 Sep 22
Zone 5 Apr 16 May 14 May 14 Jul 25 Sep 23
Zone 6 Apr 1 Apr 29 Apr 29 Jul 10 Sep 8
Zone 7 Mar 22 Apr 19 Apr 19 Jun 30 Aug 29
Zone 8 Mar 6 Apr 3 Apr 3 Jun 14 Aug 13
Zone 9 Feb 14 Mar 14 Mar 14 May 25 Jul 24
Zone 10 Jan 27 Feb 24 Feb 24 May 7 Jul 6
Zone 11 Jan 1 Jan 29 Jan 29 Apr 11 Jun 10
📚 Data Sources
Frost dates: NOAA Climate Normals 1991–2020, National Centers for Environmental Information.
Hardiness zones: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Agricultural Research Service.
Growing requirements: Cooperative Extension Services — NC State, Penn State, University of Florida IFAS.
Companion planting: Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
Data compiled from public agricultural sources. Always verify with your local extension office for micro-climate adjustments.