Catnip Seeds - Nepata Cataria

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

USDA Zones 3-9 - Catnip grows as a very hardy and reliable herbaceous perennial across this entire range, dying back to the ground in winter and re-emerging vigorously each spring.

Best Performance in Zones 4-8 where it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. In these temperate climates, it will grow into a robust, multi-stemmed plant and flower prolifically from late spring through summer.

Northern Zones (3-4) - Exceptionally cold hardy. It will reliably overwinter, even in harsh climates. A protective layer of mulch applied after the ground freezes can provide extra insurance in the coldest parts of Zone 3.

Hot Climate Zones (Zone 9) - Tolerates heat well but may benefit from some afternoon shade in the hottest regions to prevent leaf scorch. Ensure good air circulation to mitigate issues with high humidity.

Soil Temperature - Germination is best when soil temperatures are between 60-75 degrees F. Seeds can be slow to sprout.

Growing Season - As a perennial, it will establish a strong root system in its first year and may flower lightly. From the second year onward, it will be a much larger and more productive plant, providing abundant foliage for harvesting throughout the growing season.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Alternatively, direct sow outdoors in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. You can also sow seeds in the fall to allow them to overwinter for spring germination.

Where to Plant:
Choose a location with full sun to light afternoon shade. The most critical requirement is well-drained soil; catnip will not tolerate wet, soggy conditions. It is not picky about soil fertility and will grow well in average garden soil. Consider planting in a location where your cats' loving attention won't flatten young, delicate seedlings. Containers and hanging baskets are excellent options.

How to Plant:

Seed Prep (Optional): To improve germination rates, you can cold stratify the seeds. Place the seeds in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag and refrigerate for 3-4 weeks before planting.

Sowing: The seeds are small and require light to germinate. Sow seeds on the surface of the soil and cover with a very thin layer (no more than 1/8 inch) of fine soil or vermiculite.

Spacing: Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to a final spacing of 18-24 inches apart to allow them to grow into full, bushy plants.

Care & Maintenance:

Watering: Water seedlings regularly to keep the soil moist. Once the plant is established, it is very drought-tolerant and will only need watering during extended dry spells.

Fertilizing: Catnip thrives in lean soil and does not require any fertilizer. Rich soil can actually lead to less potent aromatic oils.

Protecting Young Plants: Young catnip plants are irresistible to cats. You may need to protect them with a wire cloche or fencing until they are well-established and large enough to withstand some loving nibbles and rolls.

Harvesting: Begin harvesting leaves and stems as needed once the plant is at least 8 inches tall. The oils are most potent when the plant is in flower. For drying, cut the top one-third of the plant, bundle the stems, and hang them upside down in a dark, airy location.

Pruning: Shear the plant back by half after its first major bloom to encourage a second flush of flowers and a bushier growth habit. To control its spread via self-seeding, deadhead the spent flowers.