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When to plant Mint in Otero County, CO

Otero County's 166-day season only supports one Mint planting per year. Sow between May 3 and May 17 for the best chance at full maturity before October 9.

When to Plant Mint in Otero County, CO

Mint

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

Otero County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.

At an elevation of 4,145 feet, Otero County receives approximately 14.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Mint during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Mint successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Otero County, CO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
166 days
Last Spring Frost April 26
166 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Otero County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Mint Planting Timeline — Otero County, CO

Mint Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 3 May 3 – May 17
Harvest July 5 Jul 5 – Sep 13

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

High — keep soil consistently moist

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

166 days in Otero County

Growing Tips for Otero County

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

  • Parsley

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mint in Otero County, CO?

Otero County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Mint planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Otero County, CO?

Otero County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 9.

When should I plant Mint in Otero County, CO?

In Otero County, CO, plant Mint after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Otero County, CO for Mint?

Otero County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Mint grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Mint grow in Otero County's climate?

Yes — Mint grows well in Otero County's temperate climate. Otero County averages a 166-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 9.

🌱

Your Otero County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Otero County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Otero County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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