my LocalPlanting

When to Plant Mint in Florida

🌱

Direct Sow Outdoors

Thursday, December 4, 2025

State

Florida

USDA Zones

8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b

Avg Last Frost

Thursday, January 1, 2026

Cities Covered

520

Florida Planting Schedule by Zone

Florida spans 7 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.

Zone Last Frost Direct Sow
8b Sunday, March 15, 2026 Sunday, February 15, 2026
9a Friday, February 20, 2026 Friday, January 23, 2026
9b Tuesday, February 10, 2026 Tuesday, January 13, 2026
10a Sunday, January 25, 2026 Sunday, December 28, 2025
10b Thursday, January 15, 2026 Thursday, December 18, 2025
11a Thursday, January 1, 2026 Thursday, December 4, 2025
11b Thursday, January 1, 2026 Thursday, December 4, 2025

Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.

🌿 About Mint

Scientific Name Mentha spicata
Days to Maturity 90 days
Plant Type Spreading
Sun Partial Shade to Full Sun
Water Regular (keep moist)
Spacing 18" apart

🤝 Companion Plants for Mint

Good Companions

CabbageTomatoPea

Avoid Planting Near

ParsleyChamomile
See the full companion planting guide for Mint →

Growing Mint in Florida: Complete Guide

Mint (Mentha spicata) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. In Florida, the right time to direct sow is around Thursday, December 4, 2025, once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.

Because Florida stretches across 7 USDA hardiness zones (8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b), planting windows can shift by as much as six to eight 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 Florida'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. Most of Florida receives adequate sunlight during the growing season, though gardeners in humid eastern regions should watch for fungal issues and ensure good air circulation.

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 Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Mint in Florida?

In Florida, direct sow Mint outdoors around Thursday, December 4, 2025. Florida spans zones 8b–11b, so gardeners in warmer zones can plant earlier.

What is the last frost date in Florida?

Florida spans 7 USDA zones (8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b), so last frost dates vary by region. Day, Tallahassee, Argyle (8b) sees frost until around Sunday, March 15, 2026, while Long Key, Islamorada, Key West (11b) is frost-free much earlier.

How long does Mint take to grow in Florida?

Mint takes about 90 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. In Florida's longer-season zones, a second planting in late summer may be possible.

What USDA zones does Florida cover for Mint?

Florida includes zones 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b. Mint grows well across all of these zones with adjusted timing — use the zone table above to find the right dates for your part of the state.

Find Precise Dates for Your City

Select a city for exact planting dates based on local frost records.

Other Plants for Florida

When to Plant Mint in Other States