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When to Plant Catnip in McPherson 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.

McPherson County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.

At an elevation of 850 feet, McPherson County receives approximately 27.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season.

McPherson County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 15
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23

McPherson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (54 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 19 🍅 Harvest: Jun 21 – Aug 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (58 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Aug 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (57 days to spare)
Transplant: May 4 🍅 Harvest: Jul 6 – Sep 7

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
0.6″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 110 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Catnip needs ~1,225 GDD — county provides 3,342 GDD Excellent fit

Catnip Planting Timeline โ€” McPherson County, KS

Catnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 22 Apr 22 โ€“ May 6
Harvest June 24 Jun 24 โ€“ Aug 26

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 6a

Growing Season

191 days

Growing Tips for McPherson 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 McPherson County, KS?

McPherson County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is McPherson County, KS?

McPherson County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 23.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help McPherson County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 McPherson County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.