my LocalPlanting

When to Plant Mint in Indiana

🌱

Direct Sow Outdoors

Monday, March 23, 2026

State

Indiana

USDA Zones

5b, 6a, 6b, 7a

Avg Last Frost

Monday, April 20, 2026

Cities Covered

730

Indiana Planting Schedule by Zone

Indiana spans 4 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.

Zone Last Frost Direct Sow
5b Saturday, April 25, 2026 Saturday, March 28, 2026
6a Monday, April 20, 2026 Monday, March 23, 2026
6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 18, 2026
7a Friday, April 10, 2026 Friday, March 13, 2026

Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.

🌿 About Mint

Scientific Name Mentha spicata
Days to Maturity 90 days
Plant Type Spreading
Sun Partial Shade to Full Sun
Water Regular (keep moist)
Spacing 18" apart

🤝 Companion Plants for Mint

Good Companions

CabbageTomatoPea

Avoid Planting Near

ParsleyChamomile
See the full companion planting guide for Mint →

Growing Mint in Indiana: Complete Guide

Mint (Mentha spicata) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. In Indiana, the right time to direct sow is around Monday, March 23, 2026, once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.

Because Indiana stretches across 4 USDA hardiness zones (5b, 6a, 6b, 7a), planting windows can shift by as much as two to four weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.

With 90 days to maturity, Mint fits comfortably within Indiana's growing season in most zones. In the warmest parts of the state, a second planting later in the season may be possible.

Mint requires partial shade to full sun and regular (keep moist) moisture. Most of Indiana receives adequate sunlight during the growing season, though gardeners in humid eastern regions should watch for fungal issues and ensure good air circulation.

For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Indiana.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mint in Indiana?

In Indiana, direct sow Mint outdoors around Monday, March 23, 2026. Indiana spans zones 5b–7a, so gardeners in warmer zones can plant earlier.

What is the last frost date in Indiana?

Indiana spans 4 USDA zones (5b, 6a, 6b, 7a), so last frost dates vary by region. Mays, Indianapolis, Boone Grove (5b) sees frost until around Saturday, April 25, 2026, while Bethlehem, Central, Charlestown (7a) is frost-free much earlier.

How long does Mint take to grow in Indiana?

Mint takes about 90 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. In Indiana's longer-season zones, a second planting in late summer may be possible.

What USDA zones does Indiana cover for Mint?

Indiana includes zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. Mint grows well across all of these zones with adjusted timing — use the zone table above to find the right dates for your part of the state.

Find Precise Dates for Your City

Select a city for exact planting dates based on local frost records.

Other Plants for Indiana

When to Plant Mint in Other States