Growing Catnip in Zone 11A

Catnip is more than a cat toy — it’s a useful companion plant that repels aphids, squash bugs, and flea beetles, while also making a calming herbal tea.

Zone 11A has a very long growing season with mild winters. Many crops can be grown nearly year-round with successive plantings.

Top Growing Tips

• Protect young plants from cats until established — use wire cloches
• Perennial in zones 3-9; spreads by runners and self-seeding
• Harvest before or at early flowering for peak essential oil content
• Dry leaves for tea or sachets; fresh or dried attracts cats equally
• Cut back hard after flowering to promote a second flush of growth

Companion Planting

Good companions: squash, beans, brassicas (repels aphids and flea beetles)

Avoid planting near: Keep away from walkways where cats will repeatedly disturb plants

Harvest Timeline

Harvest anytime; best before flowering; dry at low temperature

About Zone 11A

USDA Hardiness Zone 11A has an average last spring frost around Jan 1 and first fall frost around Dec 31. All planting dates above are calculated from these frost dates. Your specific location may vary — check with your local extension office for the most accurate dates.