The Dos and Don’ts of Indoor Catnip Cultivation
The Dos and Don’ts of Indoor Catnip Cultivation: Do you want to find out how to grow catnip (Nepeta cataria)? Why wouldn’t you be? Millions of videos of beautiful kitties freaking out about the green gunk can be found on Instagram.
Catnip, on the other hand, isn’t just for cat owners; it’s also a terrific addition to any window herb garden and may be enjoyed by humans. Catnip tea can help with both stress and digestion.
Learn how to grow this lovely herb here.
Catnip propagation is an easy way to grow this lovely herb. There are four choices. Each is described in greater detail below:
Seeds
Catnip seedlings develop faster when they are layered. A 12- to 24-hour soak increases germination. Many gardeners recommend freezing seeds for an hour or two before putting them in water. This is something more you could try. After stratifying, sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep in a seed mix. They germinate in about 5 to 20 days.
Instead of planting catnip from seed, get a few transplants from a nearby nursery.
Cuttings
Planting 4 to 6 cm long stems below the leaf node in rich, damp potting soil is a rapid technique to replicate catnip during the growth season. To increase the chances of success, spray rooting hormone on the cut ends.
Layering
Layering flexible and immature catmint stems allows you to quickly produce new plants. The hidden stem nodes will allow the roots to grow quickly. Use permeable potting soil and keep the plant in a well-lit, warm location. This method works nicely in the spring and fall. Check out this article from the University of Florida to have a better understanding of the subject.
Division
Catmint can be reproduced by division if it is lush and established. Excess dirt can be removed from the soil by removing the plant. Using a sharp tool, cut the root ball into one or two neat sections. Place the multiplied plants in different pots.
Choose a container with a depth and width of at least 8 inches. This will allow the plant to thrive and grow. When the plant outgrows its current pot, repot it into a one to two size larger container (10 to 12 inches). Divide the root ball in two and place them in separate pots before repotting to acquire extra catmints.
Quick tips
When growing this herb for your pet, use a larger container and put numerous plants together.
Planters made of brittle materials, like clay pots, should be avoided.
Catnip can be grown alongside other plants.
Catnip can be cultivated in conjunction with other herbs that have similar growing requirements, such as hyssop, mint, sorrel, and nasturtium. Catmint roots, on the other hand, spread quickly and choke out neighbouring plants.
The Dos and Don’ts of Growing Catnip
Allow as much sunshine as possible to reach your plant. Too little sunshine makes the plant limp and hinders the formation of new growth.
Place the plant in well-draining soil to avoid root rot. If the soil retains too much moisture, problems will arise.
Fertilize once a month.
Distribute your catnip. Who doesn’t want some more catnip? Place a snip in a pot filled with new dirt. If you give the cutting enough light and water, it will sprout again.
Collect the leaves for your feline pal. Use them immediately or hang them to dry.
Allow your plants some breathing space. Make sure there is enough room between the pots for the catnip to breathe.
Plant catnip in your garden. Catnip grows well on a balcony or in a garden.
What not to do when cultivating catnip
Bring home a bug-infested plant. Before you bring your new baby home, meticulously inspect the catnip you intend to buy at the nursery for pests.
Allow your catnip to mature. Remove any budding stems to encourage the plant to thrive.
Allow unrestricted access to your feline companion. Cats will destroy your plant by rubbing up against it or sitting on it, but they will not overdose on it. Consider growing it in a hanging pot.
Float the catnip. Make sure your content has drainage holes! Standing water at the bottom of a closed container might be fatal to your plant.
Allow moisture to build up on the leaves. This encourages the growth of pests and mould. Concentrate on the soil rather than the foliage when watering.
Don’t worry if you forget to water. Catmint heals well when given plenty of water.
Potting soil is recyclable. If you have lost a plant to a fungus or bug, it is possible that it is still living in the soil. Before using the pot again, remove the infected mixture and thoroughly clean it with hot soap and water.
Catnip does not bother cats as long as the leaves are not crushed. Crushing the leaves releases the essential oil’s aroma, which attracts cats, forcing them to brush up against and nibble on the plant.
Keep catnip out of reach of your cat if you grow it for culinary purposes.
According to numerous research, catnip has a euphoric effect on 70 to 80 percent of cats.
Did you realise that? Catnip cannot cause addiction in cats. When they’ve had enough of the plant, they turn away from it and refuse to eat or play with it.
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