Catnip grows very well in Nashville because Nashville is mostly USDA Zone 7b, and catnip is hardy in Zones 3–7 (sometimes even 9 with care). It’s a perennial here, so it usually comes back every year.
Best Conditions for Catnip in Nashville
Sun
- Full sun is best (6+ hours daily)
- In Nashville’s hot summers, afternoon shade helps keep it from getting stressed
Soil
- Well-drained soil is important
- Catnip prefers slightly dry conditions over soggy soil
- Sandy or loamy soil works great
Water
- Water regularly while young
- Once established, it’s drought tolerant
- Overwatering is more dangerous than underwatering
Planting Times for Nashville
- Start seeds indoors: late February–March
- Direct sow outdoors: mid-April after frost danger passes
- Plant nursery starts: April through early June
Seeds germinate best around 60–70°F and usually sprout in 7–10 days.
Growing in Pots
Catnip does very well in containers:
- Use at least a 3–5 gallon pot
- Make sure the pot has drainage holes
- Terracotta pots work especially well because they dry faster
- Use standard potting mix with a little sand or perlite mixed in
Growing in pots is actually smart because catnip spreads like mint and can self-seed aggressively.
Important Tip if You Have Cats
Cats can literally love catnip to death:
- Protect young plants with wire or a small cage at first
- Let the plant get 8–12 inches tall before allowing cats access
- Many gardeners grow multiple plants and rotate them
Reddit gardeners frequently mention cats flattening or destroying fresh catnip plants quickly.
Winter in Nashville
Catnip usually dies back after frost but regrows in spring from the roots.
In late winter:
- Cut dead stems down to a few inches above the ground
- New growth should emerge in March or April
Harvesting
For strongest flavor and scent:
- Harvest before flowering
- Cut stems in the morning after dew dries
- Dry bundles upside down indoors
You can also freeze fresh leaves.
One Warning
Catnip self-seeds easily in Tennessee conditions. If you don’t want it spreading:
- Remove flower heads before seeds mature
- Or keep it contained in pots