When to Plant Mint in Louisiana

Growing Mint in Louisiana: Complete Guide

Mint (Mentha spicata) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. Depending on your zone, the right time to direct sow in Louisiana falls between December 28, 2026 (Zone 10a) and February 15, 2027 (Zone 8b), once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.

Because Louisiana stretches across 4 USDA hardiness zones (8b, 9a, 9b, 10a), 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 Louisiana'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. Gulf Coast gardeners face intense summer heat and humidity — afternoon shade and consistent irrigation are key to success.

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 Louisiana.