Nepeta cataria (Catnip)

Seed Treatment
Soak seeds in warm water for 12–24 hours.
• Use the damp paper towel method: wrap seeds in a moist paper towel, place in a sealed bag, and refrigerate for 5–7 days (cold stratification).
• Check every few days—? if seeds sprout, plant immediately.

Best Time to Sow
Indoors: Start seeds 6–8 weeks before your last expected frost.
Outdoors: Direct sow in spring after frost danger has passed, or in early fall for overwintering.

Optimum Germination Temperature
• 20–25°C (68–77°F)
• Germination usually occurs in 7 to 30 days AFTER seed treatment. 

Light Requirements During Germination
• Requires light to germinate – surface sow, do not cover with soil.
• Provide 12–16 hours of light per day with grow lights or bright windowsill if starting indoors.

Sowing Instructions
Soil: Use well-draining, moderately rich soil with pH 6.0–7.5.
Sowing Depth: Surface sow – press seeds gently into the soil, do not bury.
Spacing: Thin or transplant seedlings to 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart.

Watering
• Keep soil lightly moist until germination.
• After sprouting, reduce watering – catnip prefers slightly dry conditions once established.

Post-Germination Care
• Requires full sun (at least 6 hours daily).
• Pinch back early growth to encourage bushiness.
• Can be grown in pots or garden beds; protect from cats until well-established.

Growing Tips
• Deer-resistant, drought-tolerant once mature.
• Harvest leaves just before flowering for peak potency.
• Cut back mid-season to encourage a second flush of growth.
• Self-seeds readily – deadhead if you don’t want it to spread.

Bonus Tip: Use fencing or mesh to keep curious cats from crushing young seedlings!