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Growing Mint in New Orleans

🇺🇸 Zone 8 Planting Guide · Humid subtropical climate

USDA Zone 8 300 frost-free days 60-90 days to harvest

Quick Answer: Growing Mint in New Orleans

Yes, you can grow Mint in New Orleans, US! Plant during Oct, Nov for best results. New Orleans is in USDA Zone 8 with a Humid subtropical climate, offering 300 frost-free days per year. The difficulty level is easy, and Mint takes 60-90 days to harvest. Mint needs partial shade ok and regular watering.

Climate Match Analysis

Moderate Match New Orleans + Mint

New Orleans's climate requires careful timing. Summer highs (33°C) exceed Mint's maximum (30°C), so plant early or provide shade. Follow the recommended planting months for success.

Mint tolerates -5°C to 30°C
Optimal: 12°C - 22°C
New Orleans range 6°C to 33°C

New Orleans Climate Data

USDA Zone
8
Frost-Free
300days
Winter Low
6°C
Summer High
33°C
Rainfall
1575mm/yr
Climate
Cfa
Humid subtropical

Mint Planting Calendar for New Orleans

Green months show the best time to plant Mint in New Orleans

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Plant Mint Not recommended

Mint Growing Requirements

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Sunlight

Partial Shade OK

2-4 hours direct sunlight

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Water

Regular

Consistent moisture, 1-2 inches/week

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Days to Harvest

60-90

From planting to first harvest

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Difficulty

easy

Great for beginners

💡 Growing Tips for Mint

Always grow in a pot -- it will take over your garden. Harvest often to control growth. Can be planted 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost, giving it a head start on the growing season. Aim for about 2.5 cm of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. Organic mulch around the base helps maintain even moisture.

Frost tolerance: Mint is frost tolerant — you can plant earlier in spring.

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Companion Plants for Mint

Find out which plants grow best alongside Mint — and which to keep apart

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Grow Mint Indoors

No garden? Learn how to grow Mint indoors with our complete guide

How to Grow Mint in New Orleans

New Orleans, US is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8 with a Humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa). With winter lows of 6°C and summer highs of 33°C, the growing season spans approximately 300 frost-free days. Mint is one of the easiest plants to grow in this climate.

Mint thrives in temperatures between 12°C and 22°C, requiring partial shade ok and regular watering. In New Orleans, the best months to plant Mint are October, November. Since Mint can tolerate frost, you have flexibility to plant earlier in the season or extend into cooler months. Expect to harvest in approximately 60-90 days after planting.

New Orleans receives 1575mm of annual rainfall, which provides good natural moisture for Mint. Supplement with additional watering during dry spells.

Other Plants That Grow in New Orleans

More plants you can grow alongside Mint in New Orleans

Keep Exploring

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow mint in New Orleans?

Yes! Mint can be successfully grown in New Orleans, US. New Orleans is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8 with a Humid subtropical climate. The difficulty level for growing Mint here is rated "easy". The best months to plant are October, November.

When should I plant mint in New Orleans?

In New Orleans, the recommended planting months for Mint are October, November. New Orleans has 300 frost-free days per year, with winter lows of 6°C and summer highs of 33°C. Mint is frost tolerant, giving you more flexibility with planting dates.

How long does mint take to grow in New Orleans?

Mint typically takes 60-90 days from planting to harvest. In New Orleans's Humid subtropical climate with 300 frost-free days, you have plenty of time to grow Mint to maturity. Always grow in a pot -- it will take over your garden. Harvest often to control growth. Can be planted 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost, giving it a head start on the growing season. Aim for about 2.5 cm of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. Organic mulch around the base helps maintain even moisture.

Can I grow mint indoors in New Orleans?

Mint can potentially be grown indoors in New Orleans with proper conditions. It requires partial shade ok (2-4 hours of indirect light). Indoor growing extends your season beyond the Oct, Nov outdoor planting window. Use containers with good drainage and regular watering.

What month do I plant mint in New Orleans?

Plant Mint in New Orleans during October, November. These are the optimal months based on New Orleans's USDA Zone 8 climate, 300 frost-free days, and temperature range of 6°C to 33°C.

Is mint hard to grow in New Orleans?

Mint is rated "easy" to grow in New Orleans. This is a great choice for beginners — it is forgiving and adapts well to this climate. The climate match for Mint in New Orleans is Moderate.

What grows well with mint in New Orleans?

In New Orleans, you can grow many companion plants alongside Mint. Good options from the same planting window include Tomato, Basil, Lettuce, Carrot and 2 more. These plants share similar planting months and thrive in New Orleans's Zone 8 climate.

Does mint need full sun in New Orleans?

Mint requires partial shade ok. Mint tolerates lower light. In New Orleans, a spot with filtered or indirect light for 2-4 hours works well.

Last updated: March 2026 · Climate data from NOAA, FAO, USDA

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