---
title: Catnip Herb
created: 2026-05-24
updated: 2026-05-25
type: entity
tags: [herbs, heirloom, open-pollinated, perennial]
sources: [raw/articles/seedvault-home-page.md]
---
# Catnip Herb
## Overview
Vigorous mint loved by cats. Grayish-green leaves with strong mint-like flavor. Attracts bees, may aid pollination in herb garden. May become invasive — deadhead to prevent self-sowing.
- **Category:** Herbs
- **Price:** $3.12
- **Variety Type:** Open-pollinated
## Growing Instructions
### Sowing
Sow 1/8" deep in moist starting soil (needs sunlight to germinate). 60-80°F, constantly moist. Avoid intense direct sun until emerged.
### Germination
7-20 days at 60-80°F
### Care
Low maintenance, drought tolerant once established. Full sun, tolerates partial shade. Well-drained sandy/loamy soil, pH 6.1-7.8.
### Harvest
Leaves, stems, flowers during active growth. Harvest when 6-8" tall.
## Soil & Conditions
- **pH:** 6.0-7.5, tolerates poor soils, drought-tolerant once established.
## Seed Storage
- **Viability:** 1-2 years. Use fresh seeds. Store cool/dry.
- **Pre-treatment:** Cold stratify 2 weeks in fridge, moist paper towel. Or sow in fall for natural stratification.
## Yield
- **Per Plant:** Perennial, self-seeds freely
- **Harvest Season:** All growing season
- **Note:** One plant spreads to fill area
Perennial. Self-seeds readily. Allow flowers to go to seed, collect tiny seeds from dried spikes. Or divide roots in spring.
## Pest & Disease
Very pest-resistant (catmint oils repel many insects). Watch for powdery mildew in humid conditions.
## Harvest & Preservation
Cut before flowering for best flavor. Dry in bundles away from light. Make tea or infuse in vinegar.
## Companion Planting
### Good Companions
- **General garden** — Attracts pollinators, aids pollination
## Related
- [[seedvault-market]]
- [[grow-guides]]
- [[seed-catalog]]