Catmint in Zone 5a & 5b
Nepeta mussinii
Yes, catmint grows in zones 5a and 5b. Start seeds indoors Mar 22–Mar 29 and plant out May 17–May 24.
When to plant catmint in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. It needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Mar 22–Mar 29 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 17–May 24 |
| Estimated harvest | Aug 5–Aug 12 (~80 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-1.5 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 5b
These go outside within two weeks of catmint in zone 5b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilMay 24–May 31
- BorageMay 10–May 17
- RosemaryMay 24–May 31
- DillMay 3–May 10
- Citronella Plant (Mosquito Plant)May 17–May 24
- Garlic Chives (Chinese Leeks)May 17–May 24
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 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Catmint needs about 80 days from transplant to first harvest.
Catmint planting windows in every zone
Zone 5b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4a & 4b | Mar 27–Apr 3 | May 22–May 29 | Aug 10–Aug 17 |
| 5a & 5b (your zone) | Mar 22–Mar 29 | May 17–May 24 | Aug 5–Aug 12 |
| 6a & 6b | Mar 7–Mar 14 | May 2–May 9 | Jul 21–Jul 28 |
| 7a & 7b | Feb 20–Feb 27 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | Jul 6–Jul 13 |
| 8a & 8b | Feb 4–Feb 11 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | Jun 20–Jun 27 |
Harvest dates are about 80 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
No well-established companions for catmint.
Where to buy catmint seeds
None of the seed suppliers we list carries catmint seeds right now. A local garden center or a specialty seed house is the place to look.
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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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 5b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Catmint in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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