Catnip – MIg

Description

Catnip is a hardy heirloom herb prized for its fragrant gray-green leaves and clusters of small white to pale lavender flowers. Best known for its natural attraction to cats, it is also widely used in herbal teas, traditional herbal remedies, and pollinator-friendly gardens. The aromatic foliage attracts bees and beneficial insects while naturally helping to repel certain garden pests. This easy-to-grow perennial performs exceptionally well during the UAE’s cool growing season.

When to Plant in the UAE

• Indoors: Start seeds indoors in August.
• Outdoors: Transplant seedlings or direct sow from October through December, when temperatures are mild.

Planting & Care Tips

• Light & Soil: Grow in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil enriched with compost.
• Depth & Germination: Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep. Germination typically occurs within 7–14 days.
• Spacing: Space plants 30–45 cm apart, with 45–60 cm between rows.
• Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist during establishment. Once established, water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Feeding: Apply compost before planting. Catnip requires very little additional fertilizer and grows well in moderately fertile soil.
• Harvest: Begin harvesting leaves approximately 60–80 days after sowing, before flowering for the strongest aroma and flavor.
• Harvesting Tips: Cut stems just above a leaf node using clean scissors. Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth and continued leaf production.