When to plant Catnip in Phillips County, MT
Phillips County's 126-day season only supports one Catnip planting per year. Sow between May 25 and June 8 for the best chance at full maturity before September 21.
When to Plant Catnip in Phillips 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.
Phillips County, Montana is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.
At an elevation of 6,886 feet, Phillips County receives approximately 19 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Catnip to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Catnip successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Phillips County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Catnip Planting Timeline — Phillips County, MT
Catnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 8 |
| Harvest | July 27 | Jul 27 – Sep 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 3b
📆 Growing Season
126 days in Phillips County
Growing Tips for Phillips 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 Phillips County, MT?
Phillips County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Phillips County, MT?
Phillips County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 21.
When should I plant Catnip in Phillips County, MT?
In Phillips County, MT, plant Catnip after the last frost (around May 18) and before the first frost (around September 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Phillips County, MT for Catnip?
Phillips County sits in USDA Zone 3b. Catnip grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Catnip grow in Phillips County's climate?
Yes — Catnip grows well in Phillips County's temperate climate. Phillips County averages a 126-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 18 and first frost around September 21.
Your Phillips County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Phillips County (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.