I need tips on getting seeds of cattnip to germinate.
I've tried sowing indoors cool and warm no luck
I've tried sowing directly outdoors no luck

Maybe I'm just impatient and they take longer than I expect them to?

I've had similar experiences and usually just gave up and bought a couple of plants. I've seen these directions, but how is one to keep the temp in that narrow a range for that long?
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/g...

Last time I started some, they popped under lights. I bet they would winter-sow OK though.

I just put some skullcap out in a WS-jug a couple weeks ago.

Skullcap is yet another mentha.

I'm happy to hear it's not just me being inexperienced with sowing them.
I did buy a plant today but being stubborn I still intend to try getting them to germinate from seeds.

As the seeds like it on the warm side, one would think direct sow, late(r) spring should do it. I know I am not one to wait too long before I get seeds in, so maybe timing is the trick. Or have you tried that already too?

Not yet. I ordered seeds from Harris Seeds I think and had no luck also got them in a swap once no luck so I'm thinking it is the timing that is the problem. Now I have my own plant and hope Meow doesn't care about it I am going to try getting seeds from it and see what happens.

I have to put some cages around catnip plants. Otherwise the cats will love them to death!

Catnip self-sows for me like crazy... and I collected some seeds last fall and started them with my other seeds under lights and they sprouted without any problem. Possibly the seed needs to be fresh, or maybe it needs light to germinate? I think I also winter sowed some, but so far the only thing I have sprouting in any of my 15 jugs (which probably represents at least 30 different things planted), is some Sweet Annie just beginning to show.

My cats are crazy for it too -- but that's why I have it!

I grow a few catnip plants each year for my 2 indoor cats. This is what I do:

potting soil in a small tin tray
sprinkle some seeds on top
Spray with water to saturate
cover with saran wrap and secure with a rubber band
place on window sill

My seeds sprout in a bout 1~2 weeks. They are very small and spindly at first. Once they start leafing out, then I transplant into pots.

Sounds like great advise
I see you are new to the Herb forum and NGA

I used to have a catnip plant but the cats rolled it to death. I've been taking starts from folks since then, but can't get them past the cat killing stage. I may have to cage it until it gets big enough for some feline lovin'.

This is Leo, she lived to about age 17, then took the 'long walk'. I now just have barn cats.

My cats have never liked catnip- I never tried Santolina instead, did have a lavender the old Rott tjought was his catnip...

Catnip!



(as if this cat needs to be any crazier...)