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Catnip Organic
Catnip Organic
Organic Seed

Catnip Organic

Nepeta cataria
Introduced to America by the Colonists, catnip has a long history in herbal apothecaries. Among a myriad of uses, catnip tea relaxes and soothes. Cats find it's signature potent minty scent exciting, for it mimics cat pheromones, and they soon can be found rubbing their whiskers and rolling on the herb, tearing off and eating some of the velvety leaves. After thirty minutes or so, they become temporarily immune to its effects, a good thing as some cats can demolish the plants. Kittens, however, often dislike catnip. Easy to grow, it can be pinched to cultivate a bushy form full of leaves, not flowers, preventing it from reseeding excessively. Attracts the beneficial insect soldier beetles.
SKU #S1358OG
$3.25
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
821
Lifecycle
Perennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9
Mature Size
2-3' h x 1.5' w
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Regular, well-drained
Season
Spring to fall
Color
White with purple freckling
Features
Scented Leaves
Great for containers
Deer Resistant
Heat or Drought Tolerant
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Bees
Attracts Hummingbirds
Notable
Certified Organic Seed Available
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Barely cover; requires light
Sprout Time:
5-20 days
Starting Indoors:
8-10 weeks before last frost. Cover with humidity dome to retain moisture while seeds germinate. Keep at 60-70°F. Once germination starts, remove dome and lower to 50-55F.
Starting Outdoors:
Sow in early to mid-spring when there is still a chance for a light frost; barely cover.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
This herbaceous perennial can be planted outside in early to mid spring or in early autumn.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Catnip is a member of the mint family and has aromatic leaves that many cats will eat and roll in, for it has a psychoactive component. Shear back several times a season to keep the plant bushy and compact. Keeping it pruned also prevents excessive self sowing and supplies leaves to dry for use in wintertime for herbal teas or frisky feline friends.
Final Spacing:
15-18"
Water Requirements:
Low Water Use
Watering Details:
No need to provide with supplementary water once established except during particularly dry spells.
Soil pH:
Acidic to neutral
Fertilizer:
Add an inch of compost when planting into poor soils and avoid fertilizers as they tend to encourage weak growth.
Diseases & Pests:
No serious problems aside from cats, who may roll in the plant and damage its foliage.