When to plant Catnip in Eagle County, CO
In Eagle County, Catnip is a spring-only crop. Plant June 23–July 7 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Catnip in Eagle County, CO
June in Eagle County, Colorado — your action list
Each item below is timed to Eagle County, Colorado's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Set out catnip seedlings
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
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.
Eagle County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 83 days.
At an elevation of 7,116 feet, Eagle County receives approximately 24.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Catnip to ensure they mature before fall.
Eagle County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Catnip 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.
Soil Compatibility in Eagle County
How your county's soil matches Catnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.7) overlaps with Catnip's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Eagle County is excellent for Catnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Catnip.
How to Plant Catnip
Catnip Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Catnip
Catnip needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Catnip Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Eagle County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Catnip Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Catnip Planting Timeline — Eagle County, CO
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 23 | Jun 23 – Jul 7 |
| Harvest | August 25 | Aug 25 – Oct 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
83 days in Eagle County
Growing Tips for Catnip in Eagle County
Direct sow Catnip outdoors after June 16 in Eagle County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 83.0-day growing season in Eagle County is tight for Catnip (60.0-80.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Eagle County receives only 24" of rain annually. Catnip needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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 Eagle County, CO?
Eagle County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Eagle County, CO?
Eagle County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 7.
When should I plant Catnip in Eagle County, CO?
In Eagle County, CO, plant Catnip after the last frost (around June 16) and before the first frost (around September 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Eagle County, CO for Catnip?
Eagle 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 Eagle County's climate?
Yes — Catnip grows well in Eagle County's temperate climate. Eagle County averages a 83-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 16 and first frost around September 7.
Your Eagle County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Eagle 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.