How to Cultivate Catnip Indoors – Catnip grows well on a sunny, bright window ledge. Growing catnip indoors requires minimal care and effort, making it an excellent houseplant for even the greenest of green thumbs. If you are planning an indoor window herb garden, you must include catnip.
- Before planting, stratifying catnip seeds promotes optimal growth. This may appear complex, but it is actually quite straightforward. First, place them in a bag or bowl overnight in the freezer. Place them in a bowl of water in the morning and let them sit for 12 to 24 hours. This procedure breaks down the seed’s natural protective coating, allowing for quicker and more reliable germination. This gardening technique will result in more rapid and fruitful growth.
- Select a container that is at least 8 inches deep and 8 inches wide to accommodate the catnip plant’s growth. Make sure the bottom has drainage holes. We strongly advise against using breakable containers (such as clay or ceramic) in case your feline companions become overly enthusiastic and attempt to knock it over.
- Mix potting soil with water in a large bowl until it is moist but not soggy.
- Fill the container with the potting soil mixture, lightly compressing it.
- The stratified catnip seeds should be scattered on top of the soil and lightly pressed into the dirt until they are lightly covered.
- Place the container or pot in a warm, sunny location with ample light. Illumination is essential for catnip growth.
- Every day, mist the soil with water to keep it moist, but avoid making it soggy.
- In 8 to 15 days, the seeds will sprout new growth.
- After the seeds have sprouted, water every 4-7 days. Continue until the seedlings reach 1-2 inches in height and become established in the container.
- After the plant has become established, water it every 7 to 12 days, or when the top inch of soil is slightly dry.
- As soon as the catnip plant reaches a height of 6 to 8 inches, you can begin harvesting leaves for your cat.
- It is best to remove the flower buds from the plant, as this promotes leaf development and prevents the plant from expending energy on flower production. If you want to enjoy the flowers, allow them to bloom and then remove the spent blossoms immediately so they don’t go to seed.
- Reduce watering during the winter and allow the plant to rest.
- Throughout the growing season, harvest as desired from the pots. As long as it is properly cared for, this perennial herb will continue to grow.
How do you germinate catnip seeds indoors?
Before sowing catnip seed, soak it in water overnight. Then, sow seed in cell packs or flats, lightly press into the soil, and cover. At 60 degrees Fahrenheit, germination occurs over a period of 14 to 40 days. Catnip seeds can be sown directly into prepared seed beds while a light frost is still possible.
Space catnip seedlings 12 to 18 inches apart. Grow Catnip in direct sunlight or partial shade. Catnip is drought-tolerant and thrives with average water and well-drained soil. The plants are resistant to deer and rabbits, repel aphids, and attract beneficial insects such as lacewings. Flowers attract bees and butterflies, especially skippers.
After blooming, prune plants by half. Fill sachets or cat pillows with dried catnip for your cat’s recreational use. Up to one-third of cats do not respond to catnip. Protect plant crowns (from cats, if necessary) by inverting a wire basket over the tops.
Beginning with a Seed – Plant seeds in the fall or very early spring outdoors. Planting in the fall produces stronger stands. Under ideal conditions, seeds germinate within five to ten days, but in colder soil, germination may take up to 20 days. When the plants are between 2 and 5 inches tall, thin to a spacing of 18 inches.
Is catnip simple to cultivate from seed?
Growing Catnip from Seed – Similar to many other members of the mint family, catnip is relatively simple to cultivate. Catnip thrives so well, even in areas with poor soil, that it is considered invasive in some areas; therefore, you should always conduct extensive research before deciding to plant this herb in your garden. Here are some common methods for propagating catnip seeds.
Grow several pots that can be rotated between indoors and outdoors for indoor cats. Growing catnip requires a great deal of light, so you will need to replace indoor pots every two to three weeks. Consider planting catnip close to your vegetable garden to attract your cat and reduce the rodent population.
When should catnip be planted?
Catnip grows to a height of three to four feet and has downy, light green foliage with small lavender flowers that grow on spikes as long as five inches. Catnip grows well in almost any soil, but prefers a moderately rich, well-drained loam. Its aroma is enhanced when grown in sandy soil or through hydroponics.
- It grows adequately in both sun and shade.
- Plant seeds directly in the garden during the spring.
- Catnip seeds can only be planted outdoors in the spring.
- If you are sowing seeds directly into your outdoor garden, you should do so as soon as frost danger has passed.
- Bury seeds 1/8 inch below the surface of the soil and at least 15 inches apart.
Catnip prefers full sunlight in the majority of locations. If you live in a hot, dry climate, you should consider a spot where plants will receive afternoon shade. It will still need at least six hours of full sun, but in southern locations, the sun’s hottest and most intense rays may damage the leaves.
