catnip

[DoReMe]

I want to grow catnip. I live in GA, where the weather is still pretty nice. Does anyone know if I need sunshine/shade, type of soil, season, can it be grown inside, etc? Please let me know!

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I'm DoReMe Raphael's MOM!

[sassykat2567]

Get a packet of catnip seeds and plant a some in the early spring in your outdoor garden. They need and love a lot of sunlight. Catnip is a member of the mint family and is a perennial herb which will grow back each year if the winter is not too bad.

Seeds will not germinate for a couple of weeks, or longer. You will think they are dead. Be patient.

Thin the plants to one plant every 15 inches-these suckers get BIG ! Let plants grow until they just start to show signs of flowering. Then cut all the stems off to about 6-8 inches above the ground. My first cutting of this year is just about ready (my plants wintered over from last year). My plants are currently about 3 feet tall. First year plants you should be able to get two cuttings, wintered over plants should yield three cuttings. Always harvest when the leaves are dry, to avoid problems in drying them.

After cutting, the catnip plants will grow new stems.

Most commercial catnip you buy contains the whole stalk ground up-- stems and leaves. The good stuff is in the leaves. To dry, my first step is to snip off or strip off by hand the leaves only, and discard the stems. Spread the leaves on a tray (or in my case several trays !). They do not have to be single layer. My trays are usually 3-4 inches deep in leaves. Set the trays somewhere where they will get good air circulation. On top of the refrigerator is good (as long as your cat can't get up there). Once or twice a day, "stir" the leaves with your hands.

After a couple of weeks (or more, depending on room temperature and moisture conditions). The leaves should start to get brittle and crumble. They should get to the point that you can take a handful and roll them between your palms, making flakes. Or you can mince them in a food processor.

After they are flaked, store in a jar or ziplock bag.

Thanx to Karen Robinson

[Garfield]

WOW! sassykat2567, you sure are very experienced with catnips. You have gone into such details that are so informative. I have learnt quite a good deal about catnips from you.

[DoReMe]

Thanks So-o-o-0 much. Your advice sounds purrrrfect.

I have the seeds planted... just last weekend, so I'm a little behind; however, we've had a few very late frosts here, so it's probably just as well.

I guess I need to protect the plants from the neighborhood felines?

[sassykat2567]

hello again! i'm so glad to have helped u with your catnip. i try to learn as much about animals as i can everyday (especially cats) because i'm hopefully going to one day become a vet (yes, i'm a teen). but i do know a lot about animals so if u ever need any animal advice just post a message or email me at: Starberry@purpleturtle.com!

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