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When to Plant Catnip in Glenn County, CA

Catnip is a hardy perennial herb in the mint family known for its effect on cats. It also makes a calming tea and is a useful companion plant that repels some pests.

Glenn County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.

At an elevation of 270 feet, Glenn County receives approximately 27.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season.

Glenn County, CA (Zone 9a) Long season
267 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
267 growing days
First Fall Frost November 28

Glenn County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (137 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 2 🍅 Harvest: May 4 – Jul 6
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (134 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 13 🍅 Harvest: May 15 – Jul 17
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (112 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 25 🍅 Harvest: Jun 27 – Aug 29

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.4″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 210 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Catnip needs ~1,120 GDD — county provides 4,272 GDD Excellent fit

Catnip Planting Timeline โ€” Glenn County, CA

Catnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 13 Mar 13 โ€“ Mar 27
Harvest May 15 May 15 โ€“ Jul 17

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April โ€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

60โ€“80 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 9a

Growing Season

267 days

Growing Tips for Glenn County

Direct sow or start indoors. Catnip is very easy to grow and can become invasive. Harvest leaves before flowering for tea. Protect young plants from cats.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Catnip in Glenn County, CA?

Glenn County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Glenn County, CA?

Glenn County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 28.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Glenn County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Glenn County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.