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When to plant Catnip in Ramsey County, MN

Plant Catnip in Ramsey County during the brief April 30–May 14 window. With 169 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 9.

When to Plant Catnip in Ramsey County, MN

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.

Ramsey County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.

At an elevation of 1,059 feet, Ramsey County receives approximately 38.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Catnip to ensure they mature before fall.

Ramsey County, MN (Zone 5a) Moderate season
169 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
169 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Ramsey County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Catnip Planting Timeline — Ramsey County, MN

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

MonthActivities
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

169 days in Ramsey County

Growing Tips for Ramsey 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Catnip in Ramsey County, MN?

Ramsey 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 Ramsey County, MN?

Ramsey County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 9.

When should I plant Catnip in Ramsey County, MN?

In Ramsey County, MN, plant Catnip after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Ramsey County, MN for Catnip?

Ramsey 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 Ramsey County's climate?

Yes — Catnip grows well in Ramsey County's temperate climate. Ramsey County averages a 169-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 9.

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Your Ramsey County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Ramsey 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.

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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 Ramsey County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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