Catmint in Zone 8a & 8b
Nepeta mussinii
When to plant catmint in zone 8b
Zones 8a and 8b 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 | Feb 4–Feb 11 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 1–Apr 8 |
| Estimated harvest | Jun 20–Jun 27 (~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 8's season
Zone 8b's frost-free window runs about 230 days, from March 25 to November 10. 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 8b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Catmint in USDA zone 8b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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