Blog

When to plant Mint in Ray County, MO

Ray County sits in cold Zone 6a. Plant Mint April 22–May 6 for the single annual harvest; the October 25 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Mint in Ray County, MO

Mint

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

Ray County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.

At an elevation of 747 feet, Ray County receives approximately 32.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Mint during the growing season.

Ray County, MO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
193 days
Last Spring Frost April 15
193 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Ray County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Mint

Mint needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Mint Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ray County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Mint Planting Timeline — Ray County, MO

Mint Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 22 Apr 22 – May 6
Harvest June 24 Jun 24 – Sep 2

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
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

193 days in Ray County

Growing Tips for Ray 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 Ray County, MO?

Ray County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Mint planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ray County, MO?

Ray County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 25.

When should I plant Mint in Ray County, MO?

In Ray County, MO, plant Mint after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Ray County, MO for Mint?

Ray 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 Ray County's climate?

Yes — Mint grows well in Ray County's temperate climate. Ray County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 25.

🌱

Your Ray County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Ray 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.