Vigorous, high-yielding plants.

Cat-attracting perennial with gray-green leaves and white flowers. Markets for catnip include cat toy crafters, herbal tea companies, and retail plant sales. Flowers are very attractive to bees.

LATIN NAME
Nepeta cataria

GROWING INFORMATION

DAYS TO GERMINATION:
7-10 days at 60-70°F (16-21°C).

SOWING:
Transplant (recommended): Start 6-8 weeks before the last frost in the spring. Barely cover with vermiculite; seeds require light to germinate. Thin to one plant per cell, pinching out the growing tip for a bushier plant. Transplant outside when 3" tall with a final spacing of 12-18".

Direct seed: Direct seed after the last spring frost or in early fall, sowing 2-3 seeds per inch. Tamp seeds onto the surface of the soil or just barely cover them; seeds require light to germinate. Commercial growers should start with well-irrigated soil beds and roll the seeds into the soil. Rows should be 18" apart and individual plants thinned to 12-18" apart.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:
Sun.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:
Catnip will grow almost anywhere, but ideally in sandy soil.

PLANT HEIGHT:
24-48".

PLANT SPACING:
12-18".

HARDINESS ZONES:
Zones 3-9.

HARVEST:
Harvest individual leaves when the plants have become established. The top 3/4 of the plant maybe harvested starting in the second year. To dry, hang branches upside down in a well-ventilated, dry location out of sunlight.

Note:
Once established, catnip is very hardy and self-sows readily.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Nepeta cataria