{"product_id":"catnip","title":"Catnip seeds","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"40\" data-end=\"347\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatnip\u003c\/strong\u003e is a versatile plant from the mint family, cherished for its dual use. It acts as a stimulant for cats, providing them with endless entertainment, while having a calming effect on humans, making it ideal for relaxing evening teas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"349\" data-end=\"693\"\u003eReaching about \u003cstrong\u003e1 m (3 ft)\u003c\/strong\u003e in height, this hardy perennial has soft, fuzzy leaves and delicate small flowers, bringing charm and lightness to herb gardens or mixed beds. Drought and deer resistant, it’s an easy-care choice for gardeners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"695\" data-end=\"971\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere to grow catnip?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"723\" data-end=\"726\"\u003eCatnip thrives in zones 3 to 9, preferring full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is perfect for herb gardens, pollinator-friendly spaces, or containers to limit its spread.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"973\" data-end=\"1319\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory and traditional uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1009\" data-end=\"1012\"\u003eNative to Europe and Asia, catnip has been used for centuries in herbal medicine. Traditionally consumed as an infusion, it was valued for its soothing effects on humans, while its special appeal to cats made it a popular plant in home gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1321\" data-end=\"1364\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanadian zone information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1365\" data-end=\"1664\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1365\" data-end=\"1440\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 8–9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow directly in early spring or fall.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1441\" data-end=\"1544\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 5–7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start indoors in late winter and transplant after the last frost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1545\" data-end=\"1664\" data-is-last-node=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 3–4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow in early spring and mulch heavily to protect plants during cold winters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Catnip\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSowing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 3 mm (1\/8 in) deep, spacing plants 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water regularly during establishment, then reduce watering once the plant is mature (it becomes drought-resistant).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Prune regularly to encourage denser growth and limit spread.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick leaves and flowers throughout the season for teas or cat uses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTips for Seed Harvesting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAllow to flower and go to seed:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep some flowers to allow seed heads to form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Collect seed heads when they are dry and brown, before they naturally open.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrying and cleaning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dry seed heads in a ventilated area, then gently crush them to release the seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStorage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place; viability up to 5 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertified Organic by\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Certificate No. 1962)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53644645499248,"sku":"MF-HERB-003","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/0801\/8032\/files\/magic_edit_TUFISDFGRkphU1UjMSNhZmRlNDc1OTVjODExNDU4ZmM0NjVjNWRjYTU5MWVkZiM2NzIjI1RSQU5TRk9STUFUSU9OX1JFUVVFU1Q.jpg?v=1777091650","url":"https:\/\/www.biocos.ca\/en-southamerica\/products\/catnip","provider":"Biocos Canada ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}