When to Plant Catnip in Chicago, Illinois (60621)

Location

Chicago, Illinois

ZIP Code

60621

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Monday, April 20, 2026

📅 Planting Calendar

Start Seeds Indoors Monday, February 23, 2026

Transplant Outdoors Monday, May 4, 2026

Pro Tip: Start Catnip seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Monday, May 4, 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 Chicago?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Monday, February 23, 2026.

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Growing Catnip in Zone 6a

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a popular garden vegetable. In Chicago, Illinois, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, you should start seeds indoors around Monday, February 23, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Monday, April 20, 2026. Plan to transplant your Catnip seedlings outdoors around Monday, May 4, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.