Catnip in Zone 3a & 3b
Nepeta cataria
When to plant catnip in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Catnip tolerates either.
| Start indoors | Apr 11–Apr 18 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 30–Jun 6 |
| Estimated harvest | Aug 18–Aug 25 (~80 days after planting) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1.5-3 ft.
Catnip is a tough perennial herb in the mint family, grown as much for its famous effect on cats as for its own mild, minty-lemon flavor in tea.
How catnip fits zone 3's season
Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Catnip needs about 80 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Catnip.
Where to buy catnip seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing catnip" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 3b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Catnip in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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