Catnip Seeds-Catnip Seeds for Cats Seeds - Flower, 260 seeds

Quantity: 260 Seeds / pack

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a hardy perennial herb in the mint family, grown for its aromatic gray-green leaves that many cats find irresistible - the foliage contains an aromatic oil called nepetalactone. Gardeners also dry the leaves for herbal tea and enjoy its small white to pale purple summer flowers. This packet contains 260 seeds.

Seed Information

• Type: Herb Seeds
• Common Name: Catnip
• Botanical Name: Nepeta cataria
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Watering: Moderate; let the top of the soil dry slightly between waterings
• Growth Habit: 2-4 feet tall
• Soil Type: Well-draining soil; tolerates sandy, average soil
• Planting Time: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow after frost
• Days to Maturity: 70-90 days to first leaf harvest

Growing Instructions

• When to Plant: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow outdoors after all frost danger has passed (fall sowing also works).
• Soil: Well-draining, average soil; catnip is not fussy about fertility.
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade, at least 6 hours of light a day.
• Watering: Water regularly while young; established plants prefer the top of the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
• Germination: Seeds need light to germinate - press them onto the surface of the soil and cover only very lightly. Sprouts appear in 7-10 days at 60-70°F (16-21°C); a night in the freezer followed by a 24-hour soak can improve germination.
• Harvest: Start harvesting individual leaves 12-15 weeks after sowing. For drying, cut the top growth before full bloom and hang bundles upside down in a dry, shaded, well-ventilated spot.
• Tips: Like mint, catnip spreads and self-sows freely - grow it in a container or deadhead flowers to keep it in bounds. Protect young plants with netting, as cats may trample them.