How much do catnip seeds cost? A detailed guide to prices and planting methods
Catnip, also known as camphor grass, cool mint, small mint and so on, is a perennial upright herbaceous plant of the genus Nepeta in the Lamiaceae family. It has low requirements for climate, soil and other growing conditions, and can be grown in both northern and southern parts of China. It is sometimes cultivated for medicinal use, but it is not the authentic product of the commonly used Schizonepeta. Now let us take a look at catnip seed prices and planting methods!
How much do catnip seeds cost per jin?
The price of catnip seeds is about 120 to 150 yuan per jin, but prices vary greatly depending on seed quality, variety, place of origin, market and so on. Catnip prefers a cool climate and full sun or partial shade. It grows vigorously and blooms through the summer. It is often used as a border plant for lavender and roses. The fruit usually ripens from July to September. The seeds are very small, with about 1500 seeds per gram. The optimum germination temperature for the seeds is 15 to 20°C, and the seed lifespan is 1 year.
Sowing methods for catnip
1. Sowing: Catnip can be sown directly in the open field, with 1 to 3 seeds per hole. After sowing, cover the seeds lightly with vermiculite, and they will sprout in 10 to 14 days at 18 to 22 degrees. After sowing, provide appropriate shade to avoid direct sunlight.
2. Germination: Bury catnip seeds in a tray filled with soil in advance, spray some water evenly, place the tray in an incubator and set it to 25 degrees, and after 24 to 30 hours of cultivation they will sprout.
Planting methods for catnip
1. Potting soil preparation: For growing catnip, sandy loam with sufficient sunlight and good drainage or deep loam soil is best. The flower pot should be of moderate size. The soil can be prepared with one-third humus soil plus two-thirds garden soil.
2. Transplanting time: After catnip sprouts for 4 to 6 weeks, transplant 1 to 3 seedlings into 11 to 15 cm pots for final planting. Later, repot appropriately according to growth conditions. A suitable pot size will help the root system grow.
3. Reasonable fertilization: Catnip has moderate fertilizer requirements. When planted in well-drained soil, mix 2 kg of slow-release fertilizer per cubic meter, and apply one to two applications of dilute liquid fertilizer per week.
4. Watering management: Catnip likes moisture, and its root system is fairly sensitive to water, but it fears waterlogging. After transplanting, apply a fungicide once to prevent fungal infection of the roots. In summer, water every day, and in winter, be careful to control watering.
5. Pruning and disease prevention: Catnip is very vining, so prune it at any time. The more frequently you prune it, the better it will grow. Moreover, catnip is generally not affected by pests and diseases, so there is usually no need to use insecticides.