When to plant Catnip in Stephenson County, IL
Stephenson County's 173-day season only supports one Catnip planting per year. Sow between April 30 and May 14 for the best chance at full maturity before October 13.
When to Plant Catnip in Stephenson County, IL
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.
Stephenson County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.
At an elevation of 1,345 feet, Stephenson County receives approximately 36.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season.
Stephenson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Catnip Planting Timeline — Stephenson County, IL
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Sep 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
173 days in Stephenson County
Growing Tips for Stephenson 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 Stephenson County, IL?
Stephenson County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stephenson County, IL?
Stephenson County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 13.
When should I plant Catnip in Stephenson County, IL?
In Stephenson County, IL, plant Catnip after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Stephenson County, IL for Catnip?
Stephenson County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Catnip grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Catnip grow in Stephenson County's climate?
Yes — Catnip grows well in Stephenson County's temperate climate. Stephenson County averages a 173-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 13.
Your Stephenson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Stephenson County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.