Catmint in Zone 4a & 4b
Nepeta mussinii
When to plant catmint in zone 4b
Zones 4a and 4b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. Catmint needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Mar 27–Apr 3 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 22–May 29 |
| Estimated harvest | Aug 10–Aug 17 (~80 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-1.5 ft.

Catmint is a different species from the catnip already covered on this site, grown as an ornamental groundcover-scale perennial with soft blue-purple flower spikes rather than specifically for its effect on cats, though cats may still take an interest.
How catmint fits zone 4's season
Zone 4b's frost-free window runs about 128 days, from May 15 to September 20. Catmint needs about 80 days from transplant to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Catmint.
Where to buy catmint seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a genuine consensus of positive, independent reviews. See the sources cited on each item.
See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing catmint" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 4b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

Pin this for later
Growing Catmint in USDA zone 4b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
Save to Pinterest