Catnip

Catnip requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy or loamy soils. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged, especially during hot weather. In areas with extremely hot summers, it can benefit from some afternoon shade. Catnip can also be grown in containers, which should be at least 12 inches deep to accommodate its deep root system.

Sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before average last frost.  Surface sow seeds and cover very lightly with fine potting mix. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed, spacing plants 12-18" apart.  Can also be direct-sown outdoors two weeks after last frost. 

To transplant catnip, wait until after the last frost and the soil has warmed up. Gently loosen the roots of the catnip plant and place it in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Fill in the hole with soil and water the plant thoroughly. Space catnip plants 18 to 24 inches apart to give them enough room to grow. Water the plants regularly, especially during hot weather, until they are established.

Insect Pests

Diseases & Other Problems

To harvest catnip, wait until the plant has reached a height of at least 12 inches and is in full bloom. Cut the stems just above a set of leaves, leaving a few inches of stem attached. Dry the catnip by hanging it upside down in a dry, dark, well-ventilated area for 1 to 2 weeks. Once it is completely dry, remove the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container, such as a glass jar, in a cool, dry place. Stored properly, catnip can last for up to a year.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Catnip flowers contain both male and female organs and thus are self-fertile, however they are also very attractive to bees and other pollinators which may carry pollen from other plants, including wild catnip. Very little domestication has been performed on catnip so this is usually not a concern, however if you want to ensure the purity of your strain of catnip you can isolate the plants using a physical barrier such as netting. Note that seed yield may be reduced unless pollinators are introduced into the cage.

HARVESTING SEED:

To harvest catnip seeds, wait until the plant has finished flowering and the seed heads have formed. The seed heads will be small and green at first, but they will turn brown as they mature. When a significant portion of the seed heads are fully brown and dry, remove entire racemes from the plant and place them in a paper bag. Crush the seed heads gently to release the seeds from the pods. Remove any chaff or debris from the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container until you are ready to use them or plant them.

SEED LONGETIVITY:

Catnip seeds can remain viable for up to three years if they are stored properly. To ensure maximum viability, store the seeds in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.