Catmint in Zone 6a & 6b
Nepeta mussinii
When to plant catmint in zone 6b
Zones 6a and 6b 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 7–Mar 14 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 2–May 9 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 21–Jul 28 (~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 6's season
Zone 6b's frost-free window runs about 173 days, from April 25 to October 15. 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 →
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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 6b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

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Growing Catmint in USDA zone 6b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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