When to plant Mint in Gunnison County, CO
Gunnison County's short 90-day growing season means one Mint planting between June 19 and July 3. No fall crop in Zone 5a.
When to Plant Mint in Gunnison County, CO
Your June game plan for Gunnison County, Colorado
Your Gunnison County, Colorado garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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Plant out mint
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
Mint is a vigorous perennial herb with refreshing, aromatic leaves used in teas, cocktails, and cooking. It spreads aggressively by underground runners.
Gunnison County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 12 and the first fall frost is September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 90 days.
At an elevation of 7,435 feet, Gunnison County receives approximately 17.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Mint to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Mint successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Gunnison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Mint Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Gunnison County
How your county's soil matches Mint's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.9) is more alkaline than Mint prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Gunnison County is excellent for Mint — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Mint.
How to Plant Mint
Mint Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Mint
Mint needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Mint Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 3" | 1.3" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3" | 1.7" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3" | 1.6" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3" | 1.5" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Gunnison County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Mint Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Mint Planting Timeline — Gunnison County, CO
Mint Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 19 | Jun 19 – Jul 3 |
| Harvest | August 21 | Aug 21 – Oct 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
90 days in Gunnison County
Growing Tips for Mint in Gunnison County
Direct sow Mint outdoors after June 12 in Gunnison County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 90.0-day growing season in Gunnison County is tight for Mint (60.0-90.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Mint in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Mint in Gunnison County, CO?
Gunnison County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 12. Plan your Mint planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Gunnison County, CO?
Gunnison County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 12 and first fall frost is September 10.
When should I plant Mint in Gunnison County, CO?
In Gunnison County, CO, plant Mint after the last frost (around June 12) and before the first frost (around September 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Gunnison County, CO for Mint?
Gunnison County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Mint grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Mint grow in Gunnison County's climate?
Yes — Mint grows well in Gunnison County's temperate climate. Gunnison County averages a 90-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 12 and first frost around September 10.
Your Gunnison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Gunnison County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.