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When to Plant Catnip in Alabama

Catnip is a hardy perennial herb in the mint family known for its effect on cats. It also makes a calming tea and is a useful companion plant that repels some pests.

Alabama spans USDA hardiness zones 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Catnip planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Catnip Planting Calendar for Alabama

Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 15
Harvest June 3 Jun 3 – Aug 5
Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 18 · First frost: November 8 · 235 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 8
Harvest May 27 May 27 – Jul 29
Zone 8a ~255 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 8 · First frost: November 18 · 255 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 15 Mar 15 – Mar 29
Harvest May 17 May 17 – Jul 19
Zone 8b ~276 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 25 · First frost: November 28 · 276 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 18
Harvest May 6 May 6 – Jul 8

Growing Tips for Alabama

Direct sow or start indoors. Catnip is very easy to grow and can become invasive. Harvest leaves before flowering for tea. Protect young plants from cats.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Catnip in Alabama?

Planting dates for Catnip in Alabama depend on your USDA zone. Alabama spans zones 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Alabama for planting?

Alabama contains USDA hardiness zones 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.