Catnip (Nepeta Cataria) - Catnip seeds produce both attractive and beneficial plants for the garden. The herb attracts the good animals into the garden and keeps the pests away! Irresistible to cats and bees, it is a spreading, carefree joy in the bed or herb garden, blooming all summer with fragrant flowers and foliage. Catnip plants have sturdy stems with opposite heart-shaped, green to grayish-green leaves. The flowers are lavender-blue and occur in several clusters toward the tip of the stems. It is a reliable plant, returning for years of pleasure. It asks for little and gives much!
How To Grow Catnip From Herb Seeds: Start Nepeta seeds indoors near a sunny window 6 weeks before transplanting to the garden after danger of last frost. Or, if your area has a longer growing season, sow the Catnip herb seeds directly in the garden in full sun when frost danger is over and ground is warm. Make shallow furrows and cover the herb seeds 1/8 inch with loose soil. Thin or transplant the seedlings to 12 inches apart when they are 2 inches tall. Keep plants full by pinching the growing stems and flower buds when they appear. Harvest leaves by cutting the stems anytime during the growing season. The foliage keeps its scent best when air dried.
