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When to plant Catnip in Ray County, MO

Ray County's 193-day season only supports one Catnip planting per year. Sow between April 22 and May 6 for the best chance at full maturity before October 25.

When to Plant Catnip in Ray County, MO

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.

Ray County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.

At an elevation of 747 feet, Ray County receives approximately 32.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season.

Ray County, MO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
193 days
Last Spring Frost April 15
193 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Ray County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Catnip Planting Timeline — Ray County, MO

Catnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 22 Apr 22 – May 6
Harvest June 24 Jun 24 – Aug 26

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

193 days in Ray County

Growing Tips for Ray 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 Ray County, MO?

Ray County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ray County, MO?

Ray County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 25.

When should I plant Catnip in Ray County, MO?

In Ray County, MO, plant Catnip after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Ray County, MO for Catnip?

Ray County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Catnip grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Catnip grow in Ray County's climate?

Yes — Catnip grows well in Ray County's temperate climate. Ray County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 25.

🌱

Your Ray County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Ray County (Zone 6a). 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 Ray County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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