Catnip in Zone 4a & 4b
Nepeta cataria
When to plant catnip in zone 4b
Zones 4a and 4b 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 | Mar 27–Apr 3 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 15–May 22 |
| Estimated harvest | Aug 3–Aug 10 (~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 4's season
Zone 4b's frost-free window runs about 128 days, from May 15 to September 20. 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 4b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Catnip in USDA zone 4b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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