When to Plant Catnip in Salt Lake County, UT
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.
Salt Lake County, Utah is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 6 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 4,960 feet, Salt Lake County receives approximately 12.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Catnip successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Salt Lake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Catnip Planting Timeline — Salt Lake County, UT
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 15 | Jul 15 – Sep 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
60–80 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 6b
Growing Season
157 days
Growing Tips for Salt Lake 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
Catnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Catnip in Salt Lake County, UT?
Salt Lake County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 6. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Salt Lake County, UT?
Salt Lake County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 6 and first fall frost is October 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Salt Lake County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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