When to Plant Catnip in Highlands County, FL
May to-do list for Highlands County, Florida
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Bring in the catnip
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- First harvests: catnip
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.
Highlands County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 29 and the first fall frost is December 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 325 days.
At an elevation of 111 feet, Highlands County receives approximately 57.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Catnip may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Catnip will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Catnip root diseases.
Highlands County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.9-5.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Highlands County
How your county's soil matches Catnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–5.8) is more acidic than Catnip prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Highlands County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Catnip will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Catnip.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.6%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Catnip.
How to Plant Catnip
Succession Planting Catnip
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 01 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Catnip
Catnip needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Catnip Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Feb | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 9.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Highlands County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Catnip Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Catnip Planting Timeline — Highlands County, FL
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Harvest | April 9 | Apr 9 – Jun 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
325 days in Highlands County
Growing Tips for Catnip in Highlands County
Direct sow Catnip outdoors after January 29 in Highlands County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Highlands County dries quickly — mulch Catnip with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
General growing tips
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 Highlands County, FL?
Highlands County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of January 29. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Highlands County, FL?
Highlands County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 29 and first fall frost is December 20.
Your Highlands County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Highlands County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.