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Growing Catnip in Seattle

🇺🇸 Zone 7 Planting Guide · Warm-summer Mediterranean climate

USDA Zone 7 250 frost-free days 60-80 days to harvest

Quick Answer: Growing Catnip in Seattle

Yes, you can grow Catnip in Seattle, US! Plant during Jan, Feb, Mar, Sep, Oct for best results. Seattle is in USDA Zone 7 with a Warm-summer Mediterranean climate, offering 250 frost-free days per year. The difficulty level is easy, and Catnip takes 60-80 days to harvest. Catnip needs full sun to partial shade and moderate watering.

Climate Match Analysis

Good Match Seattle + Catnip

Seattle's temperatures (2°C to 24°C) are within the tolerable range for Catnip (-15°C to 30°C), though not always in the optimal zone (12°C to 24°C). Plant during recommended months for best results.

Catnip tolerates -15°C to 30°C
Optimal: 12°C - 24°C
Seattle range 2°C to 24°C

Seattle Climate Data

USDA Zone
7
Frost-Free
250days
Winter Low
2°C
Summer High
24°C
Rainfall
953mm/yr
Climate
Csb
Warm-summer Mediterranean

Catnip Planting Calendar for Seattle

Green months show the best time to plant Catnip in Seattle

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Plant Catnip Not recommended

Catnip Growing Requirements

☀️

Sunlight

Full Sun to Partial Shade

2-4 hours direct sunlight

💧

Water

Moderate

Keep soil consistently moist

📅

Days to Harvest

60-80

From planting to first harvest

📊

Difficulty

easy

Great for beginners

💡 Growing Tips for Catnip

Very vigorous -- contain or it spreads. Cats will roll in it. Can be planted 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost, giving it a head start on the growing season. Water steadily but avoid soggy soil. A 5-cm layer of organic mulch helps balance moisture and suppress weeds.

Frost tolerance: Catnip is frost tolerant — you can plant earlier in spring.

How to Grow Catnip in Seattle

Seattle, US is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7 with a Warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csb). With winter lows of 2°C and summer highs of 24°C, the growing season spans approximately 250 frost-free days. Catnip is one of the easiest plants to grow in this climate.

Catnip thrives in temperatures between 12°C and 24°C, requiring full sun to partial shade and moderate watering. In Seattle, the best months to plant Catnip are January, February, March, September, October. Since Catnip can tolerate frost, you have flexibility to plant earlier in the season or extend into cooler months. Expect to harvest in approximately 60-80 days after planting.

With 953mm of annual rainfall, Seattle provides moderate natural moisture. This should be adequate for Catnip's water needs.

Other Plants That Grow in Seattle

More plants you can grow alongside Catnip in Seattle

Keep Exploring

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow catnip in Seattle?

Yes! Catnip can be successfully grown in Seattle, US. Seattle is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7 with a Warm-summer Mediterranean climate. The difficulty level for growing Catnip here is rated "easy". The best months to plant are January, February, March, September, October.

When should I plant catnip in Seattle?

In Seattle, the recommended planting months for Catnip are January, February, March, September, October. Seattle has 250 frost-free days per year, with winter lows of 2°C and summer highs of 24°C. Catnip is frost tolerant, giving you more flexibility with planting dates.

How long does catnip take to grow in Seattle?

Catnip typically takes 60-80 days from planting to harvest. In Seattle's Warm-summer Mediterranean climate with 250 frost-free days, you have plenty of time to grow Catnip to maturity. Very vigorous -- contain or it spreads. Cats will roll in it. Can be planted 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost, giving it a head start on the growing season. Water steadily but avoid soggy soil. A 5-cm layer of organic mulch helps balance moisture and suppress weeds.

Can I grow catnip indoors in Seattle?

Catnip can potentially be grown indoors in Seattle with proper conditions. It requires full sun to partial shade (2-4 hours of indirect light). Indoor growing extends your season beyond the Jan, Feb, Mar, Sep, Oct outdoor planting window. Use containers with good drainage and moderate watering.

What month do I plant catnip in Seattle?

Plant Catnip in Seattle during January, February, March, September, October. These are the optimal months based on Seattle's USDA Zone 7 climate, 250 frost-free days, and temperature range of 2°C to 24°C.

Is catnip hard to grow in Seattle?

Catnip is rated "easy" to grow in Seattle. This is a great choice for beginners — it is forgiving and adapts well to this climate. The climate match for Catnip in Seattle is Good.

What grows well with catnip in Seattle?

In Seattle, you can grow many companion plants alongside Catnip. Good options from the same planting window include Tomato, Basil, Lettuce, Carrot and 2 more. These plants share similar planting months and thrive in Seattle's Zone 7 climate.

Does catnip need full sun in Seattle?

Catnip requires full sun to partial shade. Catnip tolerates lower light. In Seattle, a spot with filtered or indirect light for 2-4 hours works well.

Last updated: March 2026 · Climate data from NOAA, FAO, USDA

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