Catnip is a member of the mint family and is a perennial herb that is known for its fragrant leaves and ability to induce playful behavior in cats. If you want to grow catnip in your garden or indoors, it is important to understand the needs of catnip seeds, including proper fertilization.

Fertilizing catnip seeds is essential to ensure the healthy growth of the plant. However, the frequency of fertilization will depend on the type of fertilizer you use, the soil quality, and the growth stage of the plant.

When starting with catnip seeds, it is recommended to fertilize the soil before sowing the seeds. You can use an all-purpose fertilizer that is balanced in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). This will provide the necessary nutrients for the catnip seeds to germinate and start growing.

After the catnip seeds have germinated and the plants have started to grow, you can fertilize them every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer. A fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, such as a 20-10-10 NPK ratio, is ideal for catnip because it promotes leaf growth and development.

During the flowering stage, you can switch to a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus, such as a 10-20-10 NPK ratio. This will help the catnip plants produce more flowers and improve the overall health of the plant.

It is important to avoid over-fertilizing catnip seeds because this can lead to fertilizer burn and damage the plant. Therefore, it is important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging and use the appropriate amount for the size of the plant.

In addition to fertilizing, it is also important to maintain the soil pH level. Catnip plants prefer a slightly alkaline soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. If the soil pH level is too acidic or alkaline, the plant may not be able to absorb the nutrients in the fertilizer properly.

In conclusion, catnip seeds should be fertilized with an all-purpose fertilizer before sowing the seeds and then every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer during the growth stage. During the flowering stage, a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus should be used. It is important to avoid over-fertilizing and to maintain the soil pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. By following these guidelines, you can ensure the healthy growth of your catnip plants and enjoy watching your feline friends play with the fragrant leaves.

Read more:Gardening with Catnip Seeds