Growing Catnip From Seed
Growing catnip from seed can mean having a supply of the freshest catnip on hand. Home grown catnip will be more fragrant and more potent than the type you buy. Catnip plants can be grown inside the home or outside in the garden. The seeds can be purchased at any nursery supply company. Catnip is a plant that grows aggressively so nothing special is required.
The best growth comes from well drained or sandy soil. Catnip is a full sunlight plant and is more aromatic when grown in full sun. It is possible to grow it in partial shade but full sun will grow larger plants with more flowers. Growing catnip from seed for outdoor planting should begin by starting the seed indoors in pots a few weeks before the last frost. Indoor plants can be started at any time. Be sure to put your pots near a sunny window.
Your indoor pots can be filled with potting soil from a nursery. A potting soil with a neutral pH is best. Begin by filling the pots with soil to within 1/4″ inch of the top. Wet the soil with a little water. Form a little dimple in the soil with your finger. Place a few seeds in the dimple. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. After the last frost you may then transplant your catnip outdoors.
Take note of the fact that if you have any stray cats in the neighborhood they will begin chewing on the plants. They can even ruin the work you have done. You can solve this problem by putting your plants in large pots and locate them where cats can not get to them.
Here are a few tips for growing catnip from seed. Watering will be necessary every two weeks if there is little rain. Before winter weather begins be sure to palce some mulch around the base of your plants to protect them. During the growing season you should fertilize your catnip every two weeks. As the plants just begin to flower you can stop fertilizing. Remove any faded blooms to keep your plants looking nice. After the first frost cut the plants back to ground level. As the plants begin to grow in the spring you can harvest some stems and leaves and dry them. Drying will take about 2-3 weeks. Place the dry leaves in a closed container and store in a cool place. You might also be interested in effects of catnip on cats.