(Nepeta cataria) Perennial. Zones 3 - 9. 85 days to maturity. This staple is a voracious ground cover, growing to 2-3 feet in height. Yes, cats LOVE it, but it is also a wonderful, gentle herb for humans, especially children. For people, catnip has quite the opposite effect; calming the nervous and digestive systems. Enjoy Nepeta as tea whenever you feel the need to unwind. *Our family drank A LOT of catnip and chamomile tea when our kids were teething. ------------------------------------ Growth Habit: Upright growth to 3 feet high, with tall spikes, heart-shaped serrated foliage, and tall flower spikes. Catnip will self-sow once established. Sun Requirements: Full sun Soil Preference: Rich, moist, sandy soil When to Plant: Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last Spring frost OR direct seed outdoors in Spring How to Plant: Direct sow: Sow seeds ¼” deep and cover only very lightly with soil. Seeds should germinate in 14-21 days. Thin young plants 1-2 feet apart. Transplant: Sow seeds ¼” deep and cover only very lightly with soil. Seeds should germinate in 14-21 days. Transplant young seedlings outside in Spring and space 1-2 feet apart. When to Harvest: Harvest Catnip leaves when plants are established. Harvest flowers when in bloom in Spring into Summer. Uses: Tall flower spikes are lovely in fresh or dried arrangements. Leaves are edible, and can be used dried for tea or as a calming herb for cats and humans! --------------------------------
