When to plant Catnip in Douglas County, CO
In Douglas County, Catnip is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 29–June 12 for an 60–80-day harvest, finishing well before the September 20 first frost.
When to Plant Catnip in Douglas County, CO
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.
Douglas County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 121 days.
At an elevation of 7,421 feet, Douglas County receives approximately 12.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°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.
Douglas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Catnip
Catnip needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Catnip Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Douglas County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Catnip Planting Timeline — Douglas County, CO
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 12 |
| Harvest | July 31 | Jul 31 – Oct 2 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
121 days in Douglas County
Growing Tips for Douglas 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Catnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Catnip in Douglas County, CO?
Douglas County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Douglas County, CO?
Douglas County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 20.
When should I plant Catnip in Douglas County, CO?
In Douglas County, CO, plant Catnip after the last frost (around May 22) and before the first frost (around September 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Douglas County, CO for Catnip?
Douglas County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Catnip grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Catnip grow in Douglas County's climate?
Yes — Catnip grows well in Douglas County's temperate climate. Douglas County averages a 121-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 22 and first frost around September 20.
Your Douglas County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Douglas County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.