Blog

When to Plant Mint in Washington

Mint is a vigorous perennial herb with refreshing, aromatic leaves used in teas, cocktails, and cooking. It spreads aggressively by underground runners.

Washington spans USDA hardiness zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Mint planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.

Mint Planting Calendar for Washington

Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 – Sep 5
Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Harvest June 19 Jun 19 – Aug 28
Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 – Apr 24
Harvest June 12 Jun 12 – Aug 21
Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 15
Harvest June 3 Jun 3 – Aug 12
Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 18 · First frost: November 8 · 235 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 8
Harvest May 27 May 27 – Aug 5
Zone 8a ~255 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 8 · First frost: November 18 · 255 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 15 Mar 15 – Mar 29
Harvest May 17 May 17 – Jul 26
Zone 8b ~276 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 25 · First frost: November 28 · 276 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 18
Harvest May 6 May 6 – Jul 15

Growing Tips for Washington

Always grow mint in containers or with underground barriers to control spreading. Harvest regularly to keep plants compact. Cut plants back in late summer for a fresh fall flush.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mint in Washington?

Planting dates for Mint in Washington depend on your USDA zone. Washington spans zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Washington for planting?

Washington contains USDA hardiness zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.