Catnip in Zone 6a & 6b
Nepeta cataria
Yes, catnip grows in zones 6a and 6b. Start seeds indoors Mar 7–Mar 14 and plant out Apr 25–May 2.
When to plant catnip in zone 6b
Zones 6a and 6b 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 7–Mar 14 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 25–May 2 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 14–Jul 21 (~80 days after planting) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1.5-3 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 6b
These go outside within two weeks of catnip in zone 6b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilMay 9–May 16
- BorageApr 25–May 2
- DillApr 18–Apr 25
- RosemaryMay 9–May 16
- American GinsengApr 25–May 2
- AniseApr 25–May 2
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 6's season
Zone 6b's frost-free window runs about 173 days, from April 25 to October 15. Catnip needs about 80 days from sowing to first harvest.
Catnip planting windows in every zone
Zone 6b 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 | Mar 22–Mar 29 | May 10–May 17 | Jul 29–Aug 5 |
| 6a & 6b (your zone) | 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 6b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Catnip in USDA zone 6b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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