Catnip Seed Sowing - How To Plant Catnip Seeds For The Garden

Sow catnip seeds indoors 4-8 weeks before the last frost in spring. Sow seeds ¼ inches deep in seed-starting formula. Keep the soil moist at 70 degrees F. Seedlings emerge in 14-21 days.

How do you plant catnip seeds outside?

Plant Catnip Seeds: Soak catnip seed in water overnight prior to sowing. Then sow seed in cell packs or flats, press into soil and lightly cover. Kept at 60°F., germination is staggered, over a period of 14-40 days.

How do I grow catnip in my garden?

Quick Guide to Growing Catnip

Space catnip plants 18 to 24 inches apart in a very sunny area with fertile, well-drained soil. Give your native soil some nutrient love by mixing in several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter. Check soil often and water when the top inch of soil becomes dry.

How fast does catnip grow from seed?

Catnip can be planted in your garden in spring or fall, from seed or plants. It will sprout in two to three weeks if started from seed. Cutting back the plants after the first bloom set will allow enough time for it to completely regrow and bloom again.

Should I soak catnip seeds?

Catnip is a summer herb. The cooler the weather, the longer you will have to wait for it to germinate. Catnip likes light sandy soils & grows best in full sun. You do not need to soak the seeds in water prior to planting.

Is catnip easy to grow from seed?

Like many other members of the mint family, catnip is fairly easy to grow. Doing so well, even in locations with poor soil, catnip is considered invasive in some places, so always make certain to do thorough research before deciding to plant this herb in the garden.

Is catnip plant invasive?

Using Catnip Companion Plants

Catnip can get quite invasive, spreading rapidly through a bed. To avoid this, you can plant the herb in a container and then bury it near catnip companion plants. Obviously, the herb may attract cats to your garden, but the flowers also attract honeybees.

Does catnip spread in the garden?

Catnip herb grows best in well draining soil in the full sun, but it will tolerate part sun and a wide variety of soil types. Catnip plants spread readily by seed, so in order to control its spread, you'll need to remove the flowers before they go to seed. ... Growing catnip can be rewarding.

Will catnip take over my garden?

As a member of the mint family, catnip is also known for its aggressive growth and ability to quickly take over a garden or growing space. Growing it in containers is a great way to keep this aggressive growth under control. Plants can either be started from seed or from stem cuttings taken off another plant.

Is catmint the same as catnip?

Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is similar to catnip, but does not stimulate cats. It is a low-growing mounded plant with attractive, gray-green foliage. It's profuse blue flowers appear in early summer and again through the monsoon season. It is heat and drought tolerant once established.

How often should I water catnip seeds?

After 10 -14 days little green seedlings will appear just above the soil. Your catnip seedlings are now ready to bask in full sunshine, ideally on a south facing windowsill. Keep the seedlings moist and prevent them from drying out by misting with water every day.

How often should Catnip be watered?

Water young plants twice a week for the first two weeks, reduce watering to every other week after plants become well established. The plant is drought tolerant and can resist heat as it grows older. During the dry catnip season and high temperatures, increase watering to once a week or even more if needed.

How long does catnip high last?

Luckily, the effects of catnip only last about 10 minutes. If used too much, a cat can become insensitive to it. Often, a simple sniff of catnip can do the trick, but eating it can also work.

How do you stratify catnip seeds?

Catnip seeds are tough and need to be stratified, which means they need to be slightly damaged before they will sprout. To stratify a catnip seed, freeze the seeds overnight and then leave the seeds to soak in water for 24 hours. Planting: After you have stratified the seeds, you can plant them indoors or outdoors.

When should I sow catnip?

Growing catnip from seed

If you choose to grow your plants from seed, start about eight weeks before the last frost in your area. This is usually around the end of May. Start the seed in two-inch pots, using sterile potting mix.

Is catnip a mosquito repellent?

Researchers report that nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor, is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET — the compound used in most commercial insect repellents. ...

Can catnip grow in shade?

Catnips grow well in almost any soil, but does best in a moderately rich loam that is well-draining. It's aroma increases when grown in sandy soil or via the hydroponic method. It will grow acceptably in either sun or shade. Catnip is easily propagated by seed, stem cuttings, or rootball division.

Is catnip a drug?

Catnip is a bizarre phenomenon for a few reasons. It's the only recreational drug we routinely give to animals, and though it basically makes them freak out — rolling on the ground, drooling, and mashing their face into wherever the catnip was sprinkled — it has essentially no effect on us.

How long does it take for catnip to kick in?

It doesn't take much to stimulate cats senses, and keep in mind that a little bit goes a long way with catnip. They will enjoy it for up to 15 minutes before their senses have had enough and they won't be able to catch that buzz again for a few hours.

Is catnip bad for dogs?

There is no harm in allowing dogs in catnip plants as long as you don't expect them to go into raptures. While your dogs will not react to catnip like your cats do, the herb offers canines benefits too. Catnip is an herbaceous plant from the mint family that can cause sleepiness.

Can you plant catnip and lavender together?

Try growing catmint plant companions such as verbena, agastache, lavender, and tufted hairgrass together. ... Those that share similar conditions as catmint, enjoy full sun and average garden soil with moderate to little water, and are hardy to your region.