Grow a garden filled with catnip, to not only entertain your furry little friends, but yourselves as well. Catnip is grown from freshly harvested Nepeta cataria herb seeds. Aptly named, Catnip acts as a drug to your feline friends, with the active molecule in Nepeta cataria being nepetalactone. This molecule is believed to mimic a cat pheromone. Nepetalactone binds to a cat’s olfactory receptors to produce catnip’s unique effects. Catnip herbs aren’t harmful in any way, although the reactions and actions of your pet can differ from one to the next.
Catnip herbs grow to a mature height of roughly 18 to 24 inches tall. They produce attractive, dark green foliage and blue to purple colored flowers. They are categorized as a perennial herb, which means that they will establish a deep root system. They use this root system to regrow the following growing season, after all danger of frost has passed. The plants can be found in many regions of North America, along railroads, highways & in natural settings as well.
It’s beautiful flowers will bloom all summer long and its attractive fragrance not only attracts cats, but beneficial insects as well. Bumblebees & honeybees cling to these herbs, as well as butterflies and other beneficial insects as well. To harvest, simply cut or snip stems as needed. Pinching the flower heads and growing stems will keep your Catnip herbs full and bushy.
Quick Facts
- Type: Herb
- Season: Perennial
- Heirloom: Yes
- Color: Green
- Height: 18″ – 24″ Tall
- Width: 18″ Spread
- Harvest: 75 to 85 Days
- Uses: Medicinal
- Environment: Full Sun / Partial Shade
Sowing The Seed
Catnip seeds can be established indoors, or directly outdoors as well. If started indoors, sow in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Plant 2 seeds per pot, directly to the surface of the soil. Do not cover the seeds with a lot of topsoil as they require light to germinate properly. Lightly pressing the seeds into the surface works best. Transplant entire peat pots, or direct sow into the garden when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed.
Growing Conditions
Catnip plants will thrive in an area of full sunlight to partial shade. They prefer temperatures of 60F to 70F for best germination. The plants will also prefer a soil that is loose, but well drained. To improve drainage, we recommend that you add a light compost to areas consisting of hard, compact soil. Water daily with a mist setting or spray bottle, so that you do not disturb the seeds.
Germination & Growth
Your Catnip seeds will begin to germinate within roughly 7 to 14 days after sowing. The plants will grow to a mature height of roughly 18 to 24 inches tall, and can be spaced about 12 to 18 inches apart from one another. These herbs are mainly used as a recreational hallucinogen for your furry feline friends! The blue blooms will attract an array of beneficial insects to the garden with their very fragrant scent. Bumblebees & honeybees will cling to these plants.