Catnip in Zone 9a & 9b
Nepeta cataria
When to plant catnip in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b 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 | Dec 28–Jan 4 '27 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Feb 15–Feb 22 |
| Estimated harvest | May 6–May 13 (~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 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 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 9b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Catnip in USDA zone 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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