Growing Catnip in Zone 9B

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 9B 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 9B

USDA Hardiness Zone 9B has an average last spring frost around Feb 15 and first fall frost around Dec 10. 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.