Catnip
Seed # 16
Basic Information
- Seed Number
- 16
- Seed Name
- Catnip
- Variety
- Not recorded
- Category
- Herb
- Plant Family
- Lamiaceae
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Planting Method
- Direct Sow or Transplant
- Seed Status
- In Seed Bank
- Created
- 2026-08-14 00:50:34
- Updated
- 2026-08-19 15:35:29
Planting Information
- Start Planting Date
- Mar 10
- Last Recommended Planting Date
- Sep 30
- Plantable Months
- March, April, May, June, September
- Indoor Start
- Mar 10 – Mar 24
- Direct Sow
- May 5 – Jun 15
- Transplant
- May 5 – Jun 15
- Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost
- 8 weeks
- Transplant Weeks After Frost
- 0 weeks
- Germination Days
- 7–10 days
- Harvest/Maturity
- Not recorded
- Succession Planting
- Not recorded
Growing Conditions
- Ideal Soil Temperature
- 60-70°F
- Planting Depth
- Surface sow or barely cover
- Plant Spacing
- 12-18 in
- Row Spacing
- 18 in
- Thin-To Spacing
- 12-18 in
- Sun Requirements
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water Needs
- Keep moist while establishing; moderate water once established
- Soil Preference
- Well-drained average soil
- Minimum Container Size
- 2-3 gal
- Plant Height
- 24-36 in
- Perennial/Biennial Status
- Perennial
- Container Friendly
- Yes
- Trellis/Support Needed
- No
- Frost Tolerant
- Yes
- Heat Tolerant
- Yes
- Drought Tolerant
- Yes
- Pollinator Friendly
- Yes
- Medicinal
- Yes
Garden Uses
Container Medicinal Pollinator Seed Saving TeaCompanion Planting
| Plant | Relationship | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beets | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Pumpkin | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Pumpkin | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Pumpkin | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Pumpkin | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Pumpkin | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Squash | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Squash | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Squash | Good Companion | Not recorded |
Storage
- Seed Source/Brand
- MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit
- Packet Year
- Not recorded
- Quantity Notes
- Not recorded
- Purchase Date
- Not recorded
- Expiration Year
- Not recorded
- Storage Box
- Not recorded
- Container
- Not recorded
- Envelope
- Not recorded
- Row
- Not recorded
- Slot
- Not recorded
- Storage Notes
- Not recorded
Notes
Original Planting Method: Direct sow or start indoors
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: Apr 15 – Jun 15; Aug 15 – Sep 10
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 75–85 days
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Herbal; cat-friendly
Succession / Reusable Notes: Can self-seed and spread; container helps.
Zone 6B Notes: Hardy perennial in Zone 6B.
Companion Plants: Squash, pumpkins, beets, herbs, pollinator gardens
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Seedlings where unwanted
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Perennial in Zone 6B and may self-seed. Direct sow after frost or in early fall.
Germination: Seed requires light; tamp onto the surface or barely cover.
Harvest: Harvest leaves before or during early bloom for strongest aroma.
Seed Saving: Allow flower spikes to dry and collect small seeds before they scatter.
Special Care: Can spread by seed; deadhead if self-sowing is not wanted.
Research Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds — https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/herbs/catnip/catnip-key-growing-information.html — 7-10 day germination, sowing methods, spacing and light requirement
Research Source: University of Minnesota Extension — https://extension.umn.edu/agroforestry/forest-farming — catnip recognized as a medicinal herb
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]