When to plant Catnip in Sumter County, AL
Plant Catnip in Sumter County during the brief March 28–April 11 window. With 232 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before November 8.
When to Plant Catnip in Sumter County, AL
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.
Sumter County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.
At an elevation of 335 feet, Sumter County receives approximately 56.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Catnip, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Catnip root diseases.
Sumter County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Catnip
Catnip needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Catnip Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Sumter County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Catnip Planting Timeline — Sumter County, AL
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Harvest | May 30 | May 30 – Aug 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
232 days in Sumter County
Growing Tips for Sumter County
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Catnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Catnip in Sumter County, AL?
Sumter County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sumter County, AL?
Sumter County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 8.
When should I plant Catnip in Sumter County, AL?
In Sumter County, AL, plant Catnip after the last frost (around March 21) and before the first frost (around November 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sumter County, AL for Catnip?
Sumter County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Catnip grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Catnip grow in Sumter County's climate?
Yes — Catnip grows well in Sumter County's temperate climate. Sumter County averages a 232-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 21 and first frost around November 8.
Your Sumter County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sumter County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.