Catnip is a hardy herb beloved by cats and humans alike. Its fragrant, gray-green leaves delight felines, while its soothing properties make it a staple for herbal teas to relieve colds, flu, and fevers. This vigorous perennial grows easily in gardens or containers, thriving in sunny or partially shaded areas. Perfect for pet owners and herbal enthusiasts.
Catnip Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow catnip seeds outdoors in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall crop. Catnip is frost-tolerant and grows well in cooler weather.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot or partial shade in hotter climates. Catnip grows best in well-draining, moderately fertile soil.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches and incorporate compost to improve fertility. Catnip prefers soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and space them 12-18 inches apart in rows or clusters.
- Thin seedlings to maintain proper spacing once they are a few inches tall.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist until seeds germinate, which typically takes 7-10 days. Once established, catnip is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start catnip seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date.
- Containers: Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, placing 1-2 seeds per pot.
- Cover lightly with soil and mist gently to keep the soil evenly moist.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 7-10 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 55 degrees Fahrenheit and plants have at least 2-3 sets of true leaves. Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
General Care Tips for Catnip
- Sunlight: Provide full sun for best growth. Catnip tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
- Watering: Water sparingly once plants are established. Catnip prefers moderately dry soil and can withstand short periods of drought.
- Fertilizing: Enrich the soil with compost before planting. Catnip is a light feeder and rarely requires additional fertilization during the growing season.
- Pruning: Trim catnip regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent it from becoming leggy. Remove flower spikes to prolong leaf production.
- Pest and Disease Control: Catnip is generally pest- and disease-resistant. It may attract cats, so consider protecting young plants with a wire cage if needed.
- Harvesting:
- For Leaves: Harvest fresh leaves as needed once the plant is 6-8 inches tall. Snip stems just above a leaf node to encourage regrowth.
- For Drying: Harvest entire stems before flowering for the best flavor. Dry leaves in a cool, well-ventilated area.
- Storage: Store dried catnip leaves in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to a year. Fresh leaves can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.
