Catnip Seeds - Nepata cataria

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

USDA Zones 3-9: Grows as an extremely hardy, herbaceous perennial in this range. It will die back to the ground after a hard frost and re-emerge vigorously from the roots in spring.

Best Performance (Zones 4-8): Thrives in these zones with almost no care. It establishes quickly, provides a reliable harvest from spring through fall, and returns larger and more robust each year.

Northern Zones (3-4): Exceptionally cold-hardy. Will reliably survive the winter, even in Zone 3. A 2-inch layer of fall mulch (straw or shredded leaves) is beneficial to protect the crown during its first winter.

Hot Climate Zones (Zone 9): Very heat-tolerant if it has good air circulation and well-drained soil. It strongly dislikes high humidity combined with wet, heavy soil, which can cause it to rot or struggle.

Soil Temperature (for Germination): Requires soil temperatures between 60-70 degrees F for germination. Can be slow and erratic to sprout, so patience is key.

Growing Season (Perennial): As a perennial, it has an indefinite growing season. It can be harvested lightly in its first year from seed but will become fully established and highly productive from the second year onward.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant (Indoors):

Recommended Method: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your average last frost date.

Pro-Tip: For best results, cold-stratify your seeds. Mix the seeds with a small amount of damp sand or a moist paper towel, place them in a plastic bag, and refrigerate for 2-4 weeks before planting.

When to Plant (Outdoors):

Direct sow in early spring after all danger of frost has passed, or in late fall to allow the seeds to naturally stratify over winter.

Where to Plant:

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade. Full sun produces the most potent, aromatic oils.

Soil (Critical): Must have well-drained soil. Catnip is not fussy and thrives in average, loamy, or even poor, rocky/sandy soil. It will fail in heavy, dense clay or soil that stays wet, as this causes root rot.

Location Note: Consider planting it in a spot where your cats can enjoy it without trampling other, more delicate plants.

How to Plant (Seed Starting):

Depth (Critical): Seeds need light to germinate.

Process: Press the tiny seeds (stratified or not) firmly onto the surface of a sterile, moist seed-starting mix. Do NOT cover them with soil, or cover extremely lightly with 1/16 inch of fine soil or vermiculite.

Germination: Keep the soil mix moist (but not soaking) at 60-70 degrees F. Be patient; germination is slow and can take 10-21 days.

How to Plant (Transplanting):

Harden Off: Acclimate your indoor-sown seedlings to outdoor conditions for 7-10 days.

Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart. They will grow into bushy mounds.

Growing and Care:

Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season. Once established (after the first year), catnip is very drought-tolerant and prefers to be on the dry side.

Fertilizing: Do not fertilize. Catnip thrives in lean soil. Rich soil or fertilizer will produce weak, leggy plants with a less potent fragrance.

Pruning: Pinching young plants will encourage a bushier habit. Shear the entire plant back by half after its first main bloom in summer to encourage a second, tidier flush of growth.

Controlling Spread: This is important. Catnip is a prolific self-seeder. To prevent it from taking over your garden, cut off the flower heads in the fall before they dry out and drop seeds.

Harvesting:

When: Harvest leaves and stems as needed. The plant's aromatic oils are most potent just before it flowers in mid-summer.

How: Harvest on a dry morning. Snip stems and leaves, being careful not to take more than one-third of the plant at a time. The leaves can be used fresh or dried (in a dark, well-ventilated area) for later use.