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When to Plant Catnip in Bexar County, TX

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.

Bexar County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 251 days.

At an elevation of 3,197 feet, Bexar County receives approximately 52.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Catnip root diseases.

Bexar County, TX (Zone 9a) Long season
251 days
Last Spring Frost March 11
251 growing days
First Fall Frost November 17

Bexar County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.8

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 7.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 8.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Catnip Planting Timeline — Bexar County, TX

Catnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 18 Mar 18 – Apr 1
Harvest May 20 May 20 – Jul 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Transplant Outdoors
April Transplant Outdoors
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

251 days in Bexar County

Growing Tips for Bexar 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 Bexar County, TX?

Bexar County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 11. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bexar County, TX?

Bexar County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and first fall frost is November 17.

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Your Bexar County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bexar 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 Bexar County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.