Mountain Mint in Zone 6a & 6b
Pycnanthemum pilosum
When to plant mountain mint in zone 6b
Zones 6a and 6b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. Mountain Mint needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Mar 7–Mar 14 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 2–May 9 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 31–Aug 7 (~90 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 2-3 ft.

Mountain mint is a native perennial mint relative with an unusually strong mint flavor and aroma for its size, and it draws pollinators reliably whenever it's in bloom.
How mountain mint fits zone 6's season
Zone 6b's frost-free window runs about 173 days, from April 25 to October 15. Mountain Mint needs about 90 days from transplant to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Mountain Mint.
Where to buy mountain mint seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing mountain mint" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 6b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

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Growing Mountain Mint in USDA zone 6b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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