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When to plant Catnip in Cascade County, MT

In Cascade County, Catnip is a spring-only crop. Plant May 26–June 9 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Catnip in Cascade County, MT

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.

Cascade County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 125 days.

At an elevation of 6,585 feet, Cascade County receives approximately 21.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Catnip to ensure they mature before fall.

Cascade County, MT (Zone 4b) Short season
125 days
Last Spring Frost May 19
125 growing days
First Fall Frost September 21

Cascade County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Catnip Planting Timeline — Cascade County, MT

Catnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 26 May 26 – Jun 9
Harvest July 28 Jul 28 – Sep 29

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
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 4b

📆 Growing Season

125 days in Cascade County

Growing Tips for Cascade 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 Cascade County, MT?

Cascade County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cascade County, MT?

Cascade County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 21.

When should I plant Catnip in Cascade County, MT?

In Cascade County, MT, plant Catnip after the last frost (around May 19) and before the first frost (around September 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Cascade County, MT for Catnip?

Cascade County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Catnip grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Catnip grow in Cascade County's climate?

Yes — Catnip grows well in Cascade County's temperate climate. Cascade County averages a 125-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 19 and first frost around September 21.

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Your Cascade County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Cascade County (Zone 4b). 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 Cascade County, MT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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