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When to Plant Catnip in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi (39521)

Location

Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi

ZIP Code

39521

USDA Zone

9a

Last Frost

Friday, February 20, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Friday, December 26, 2025

Transplant Outdoors

Friday, March 6, 2026

Based on last frost Friday, February 20, 2026 · Zone 9a

Pro tip: Start Catnip seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Friday, March 6, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Nepeta cataria
Days to Maturity 90 days
Mature Height 18-36"
Spread 18"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun to Partial Shade

💧

Water

Low (less than 1 inch/week)

↔️

Spacing

18" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.125" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days

Ready to Plant Catnip in Bay Saint Louis?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, December 26, 2025.

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🤝 Good Companions

TomatoPepperSquashPumpkin
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Catnip

See which plants help Catnip thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Let flower spikes dry completely on the plant. Seeds form in small nutlets inside dried calyxes.

Processing

Strip dried stems over a bowl, rub between fingers to release seeds, winnow lightly.

Seed Viability

Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Catnip self-sows freely and can become weedy — deadhead most plants to control spread.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 14 plants of Catnip. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Catnip in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi? +

In Bay Saint Louis (Zone 9a), start Catnip seeds indoors around Friday, December 26, 2025 and transplant outdoors around Friday, March 6, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi? +

The average last spring frost date for Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi (ZIP 39521) is around Friday, February 20, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 9a.

How long does Catnip take to grow? +

Catnip typically matures in about 90 days from transplanting. In Bay Saint Louis, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, March 6, 2026 plus 90 days.

Should I start Catnip indoors or direct sow in Mississippi? +

Catnip should be started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. In Bay Saint Louis, that means starting around Friday, December 26, 2025.

Other Plants for Bay Saint Louis

Growing Catnip in Zone 9a

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a popular garden vegetable. In Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, you should start seeds indoors around Friday, December 26, 2025.

Your average last frost date is Friday, February 20, 2026. Plan to transplant your Catnip seedlings outdoors around Friday, March 6, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.