Catnip in Zone 5a & 5b
Nepeta cataria
Yes, catnip grows in zones 5a and 5b. Start seeds indoors Mar 22–Mar 29 and plant out May 10–May 17.
When to plant catnip in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Either works.
| Start indoors | Mar 22–Mar 29 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 10–May 17 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 29–Aug 5 (~80 days after planting) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1.5-3 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 5b
These go outside within two weeks of catnip in zone 5b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilMay 24–May 31
- BorageMay 10–May 17
- DillMay 3–May 10
- RosemaryMay 24–May 31
- American GinsengMay 10–May 17
- AniseMay 10–May 17
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 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Catnip needs about 80 days from sowing to first harvest.
Catnip 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b | Apr 11–Apr 18 | May 30–Jun 6 | Aug 18–Aug 25 |
| 4a & 4b | Mar 27–Apr 3 | May 15–May 22 | Aug 3–Aug 10 |
| 5a & 5b (your zone) | Mar 22–Mar 29 | May 10–May 17 | Jul 29–Aug 5 |
| 6a & 6b | Mar 7–Mar 14 | Apr 25–May 2 | Jul 14–Jul 21 |
| 7a & 7b | Feb 20–Feb 27 | Apr 10–Apr 17 | Jun 29–Jul 6 |
| 8a & 8b | Feb 4–Feb 11 | Mar 25–Apr 1 | Jun 13–Jun 20 |
| 9a & 9b | Dec 28–Jan 4 | Feb 15–Feb 22 | May 6–May 13 |
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 catnip.
Where to buy catnip seeds
Botanical Interests · True Leaf Market · Burpee · High Mowing Organic Seeds (each supplier's 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 5b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Catnip in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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