Catnip in Zone 5a & 5b
Nepeta cataria
When to plant catnip in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b 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 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.
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.
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 5b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · 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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