Cultivation of Catnip

Site: Catnip thrives in sun or partial shade. They prefer average, well drained soil over rich soils. They grow well with little attention, and will withstand crowding. Fertilizer is not usually required, except in the poorest of soils. We always recommend a little fertilizer at planting time, and a couple of times a year to promote maximum growth

• Sandy loam is preferred; pH 5.8 - 7.5
• Full sun preferred or partial shade.
• Organic fertilizer: well-rotted horse or cow manure. more..
• Or 10-10-10 commercial fertilizer may be used; spread and worked in before planting, 1# per 25' row.
• Spacing 16" apart in rows; rows 24" apart.
• Cultivate to no weeds.. more..
• Do not harvest complete plant -- leave a few stems with flowers to self-seed. Plants will readily self-seed.
• Water requirement 1" per week.
   

Propagation: After the plants have grown a few inches, pinch back the shoots to promote bushy growth. It will first bloom in mid summer. After harvest, trim back the plants again. With luck, you will get three harvests in a season.

Growing: Harvest may begin as soon as flower buds have pushed themselves above the canopy of the plant. Usually mid-July or 95 days post-emergence or transplant.

• Choose the lead stems with the lead buds and clip carefully. more..

• Gather stems into a bunch consisting of no more than 25 stems. This will allow for efficient air circulation in drying.

• Tie bunch with rubber band.....not string. more..

• Hang bunch to dry in well ventilated room without direct sun. more..