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When to Plant Catnip in Cloud County, KS

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.

Cloud County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 810 feet, Cloud County receives approximately 22.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Catnip to ensure they mature before fall.

Cloud County, KS (Zone 5b) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 18

Cloud County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (50 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 19 🍅 Harvest: Jun 21 – Aug 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (52 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 23 🍅 Harvest: Jun 25 – Aug 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (51 days to spare)
Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Jul 9 – Sep 10

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
0.5″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Catnip needs ~910 GDD — county provides 2,405 GDD Excellent fit

Catnip Planting Timeline โ€” Cloud County, KS

Catnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 23 Apr 23 โ€“ May 7
Harvest June 25 Jun 25 โ€“ Aug 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
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 5b

Growing Season

185 days

Growing Tips for Cloud 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 Cloud County, KS?

Cloud County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cloud County, KS?

Cloud County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 18.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Cloud County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Cloud County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.