How to Harvest Catnip Seeds

Most cats are attracted to the catnip plant.

Catnip is a sturdy perennial herb with heart-shaped foliage and purple blooms. Although catnip is best known for its particular attraction to cats, the herb can also be for seasoning, or to brew a tea rich in vitamin C. Catnip is related to mint and is also known as catmint or catwort. Catnip isn't difficult to grow, and will thrive in sun or shade. Harvest catnip seeds for spring planting at the end of the growing season in autumn.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• Tweezers
• Paper seed packet or envelope

Instructions

1. Cut a stalk from a healthy catnip plant when the blooms wilt and begin to fall from the plant in late summer. The pods at the base of the blooms should be dry, but don't wait too long or birds may get the seeds first.

2. Spread a sheet of newspaper in a dry, well-ventilated spot. Hold the catnip stalk over the newspaper and shake the seeds loose. If the seeds aren't ready to fall from the blooms, hang the stalk over the newspaper and the seeds will drop when they're ready.

3. Allow the catnip seeds to dry for at least seven to 10 days. Use tweezers to pick out any leaves or stems.

4. Pour the seeds carefully into a paper seed packet or envelope. Label the packet, then store the catnip seeds in a warm, dry spot until spring.

Tips & Warnings

• If your catnip plant is growing in a pot, put a piece of paper next to the pot. Tip the pot on its side and shake the seeds loose.

References

• Clover Leaf Farm Herbs: When to Gather Herbs
• All Sands: How To Harvest Herb Seeds
• West Virginia University Extension: Growing Herbs in the Home Garden
• Union County College: Plant of the Week: Catnip