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Growing Catnip
Catnip
grows best in full sun combined with average, well
drained soil. It grows well in hydroponics as well.
It is a per ennial herb of the mint family that will
grow from 3-5 feet tall. Water them regularly. Cut
out last years spent stems in early spring, which
creates room for new ones. Cutting the plants
completely down after the first bloom set will allow
enough time for the plant to completely regrow and
bloom again.
Catnip
Catmint
Common
names for Nepeta cataria, a hardy perennial herb of
the Mint Family, with pungent fragrance which is
highly attractive and exciting to cats.
Catnip grows to a height of three or four feet, and
features downy, light green foliage with small
lavender flowers that grow on spikes up to five
inches long.
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.
Catnips is easily propagated by seed, stem
cuttings, or rootball division. Seed should be sown
in rows late in fall or early in the spring and
lightly covered. When sown in the fall, a denser
crop is ususally achieved. When plants reach five
inches tall, thin so that they stand 12 to 18 inches
apart. Catnip can also be started early indoors and
transplanted outside after the last chance of frost.
Cats aren't
the only creatures that benefit from Catnip as the
leaves may be candied to enjoy as a dessert and it's
oil is used to relieve the symptoms of headaches and
nervousness.
Plant Height
Catnip
grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet (90 - 120cm).
Plant Spacing
Catnip
plants should be spaced between 15 and 18 inches (38
and 45 cm) apart.
Preferred Soil pH Range
Catnip
will grow in a relatively wide pH range between 6.1
(mildly acidic) and 7.8 (mildly alkaline).
Propagation
From
seed. Start seeds indoors before last frost.
Soil Requirements
Well
drained, average soil.
Alternative Growing Media
Soilless potting mixes, perlite, vermiculite,
rockwool, coco peat, Oasis foam.
Time From Seed to Saleable Plant
Sow in
plugs or seedflats 12 to 15 weeks before sale. Seeds
to finished plugs, 8 to 10 weeks; plugs to saleable
plants, 3 to 5 weeks.
Sun
& Lighting Requirements
Catnip
grown outdoors prefers full sun but will tolerate
some shade.
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