Catnip

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