Mint –Catmint (Catnip)

Nepeta cataria. Also known as catmint because most felines are fond of it, catnip produces green foliage and spikes of edible white and pink flowers. Use like other mint varieties, as an infusion or in savory or sweet recipes. Perennial in zones 4 to 9. Protect the plants if you want kitty cat to leave you some leaves for your tea!

Growing tips

Germination conditions:

depth of sowing: above ground (press seeds lightly into the soil, but do not cover them)

optimal temperature for germination: 18 to 22ºC

time for germination: 14 to 21 days

When to sow:

sow indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last date in your area OR

direct sowing after any risk of frost in spring or early fall

Sowing technique: in pocket

Within the same hole, sow 3 to 5 seeds spaced 1 to 2 cm apart; when the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have reached a height of 5 cm, keep all the plants if space is available or keep only the best plants.

for indoor seedlings: transplant into individual containers while waiting for transplanting in the garden OR

for direct seedlings: transplant to their final location in the garden

Transplanting outdoors (for seedlings started indoors):

When all risk of frost is removed

Distance in the garden:

between plants: 30 cm

between rows: 45 cm

Height of the plants: 60 cm

Soil: rich and well drained

Exposure: full sun and light shade

Days to harvest: 75 to 90 days

QUICK STATS

Number of seeds: ±500

Difficulty: Easy

Type: Heirloom / Open pollinated

Lifecycle:Perennial

Additional information

Weight            0.1 g

Difficulty         

Easy

Sowing          

Direct, Indoor

Lifecycle        

Perennial

Root cellar     

No

Sowing season        

Winter, Spring, Fall