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When to plant Catnip in Washington County County,

In Washington County County, Catnip is a spring-only crop. Plant March 12–March 26 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Catnip in Washington County, FL

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.

Washington County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 260 days.

At an elevation of 196 feet, Washington County receives approximately 50.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 97°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.

Washington County, FL (Zone 9a) Long season
260 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
260 growing days
First Fall Frost November 20

Washington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.8-5.9

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 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 6.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Washington County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Catnip Planting Timeline — Washington County, FL

Catnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 12 Mar 12 – Mar 26
Harvest May 14 May 14 – Jul 16

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Transplant Outdoors
April
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
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 9a

📆 Growing Season

260 days in Washington County

Growing Tips for Washington 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Catnip in Washington County, FL?

Washington County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Washington County, FL?

Washington County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 20.

When should I plant Catnip in Washington County County, ?

In Washington County County, , plant Catnip after the last frost (around March 5) and before the first frost (around November 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Washington County County, for Catnip?

Washington County County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Catnip grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Catnip grow in Washington County County's climate?

Yes — Catnip grows well in Washington County County's temperate climate. Washington County County averages a 260-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 5 and first frost around November 20.

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Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Washington County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Washington County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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