Catnip – 100 Seeds

Catnip (Nepeta cataria), commonly known as catnip, catswort, catwort, and catmint, is a species of the genus Nepeta in the family Lamiaceae, native to southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of China. Typically found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides or field edges, along streams or on waste ground, this perennial herb has aromatic leaves that most cats are attracted to. The plant also has many medicinal benefits.

The stems are square with  toothed leaves, and the small white or light pink flowers grow in spikes.

Medicinal Benefits

• The plant has been used to treat intestinal cramps, for indigestion, to cause sweating, to induce menstruation, as a sedative, and to increase appetite.
• Additionally, the plant has been used to treat diarrhea, colic, the common cold, and cancer.

Growing Catnip

Indoor Sowing: Late Winter and Early Spring.

Direct Sowing: Spring and Autumn.

• Sow seeds 4 – 8 weeks before the last predicted frost in your area.
• Cold stratify the seeds by placing them in the freezer overnight, and then soak them in water for 12 to 24 hours.
• Prepare pots with seed-starting mix and sprinkle a few seeds on top, pressing them lightly into the soil.
• Barely cover the seeds, as light aids germination.
• Keep the soil evenly moist until seedlings appear, and then place the pots in a sunny spot.
• Catnip grows best in full sun and average, well-drained soil, but survives in partial shade and thrives in poor soils. Once established, this plant is fairly drought tolerant.