If you’re a cat owner, you’re probably familiar with the herb called catnip. This perennial herb, also known as Nepeta cataria, belongs to the mint family and is native to Europe and parts of Asia. However, it is now commonly found in North America as well.

Catnip has a distinctive aroma that attracts cats, making it popular among pet owners who use it as a treat or a playtime incentive for their feline friends. But did you know that catnip can also be used for human consumption in various forms such as tea or seasoning? In fact, catnip has been traditionally employed as a natural remedy for various ailments including digestive issues, headaches, insomnia, and anxiety, thanks to its relaxing properties.

Key Takeaways

• Catnip is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family and is native to Europe and parts of Asia.
• Catnip has a distinctive aroma that attracts cats, making it popular among pet owners who use it as a treat or a playtime incentive for their feline friends.
• Catnip can also be used for human consumption in various forms such as tea or seasoning and has been traditionally employed as a natural remedy for various ailments including digestive issues, headaches, insomnia, and anxiety.

Planting

To grow catnip, you can plant it outdoors after the last frost in spring or early summer. Alternatively, you can start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost for a head start. Catnip thrives in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. So, place catnip plants in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

When planting catnip, it’s important to space the plants about 18-24 inches apart to allow enough room for them to grow and spread out. Additionally, avoid planting catnip near vegetables or herbs like tomatoes, as they may attract cats that could potentially damage nearby plants. If you have indoor cats, it’s best to avoid planting catnip inside your home or directly outside windows where they may become overly stimulated.

Catnip spreads rapidly, so it’s best to avoid planting it in areas where you don’t want it to take over, such as flower beds or other delicate plants. Instead, consider planting catnip in containers or raised beds to contain its growth. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and use a pot or container that is at least 12 inches in diameter. When transplanting catnip, ensure that the soil is moist and well-drained. You can also propagate catnip through cuttings or division.

Growing

Watering

Once you have planted your catnip seeds, it is important to water them consistently. Seedlings require moist soil for healthy growth. To check if they need watering, touch the soil with your finger. If it feels dry about an inch down, it’s time to water them. However, be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.

Transplanting

When transplanting your catnip seedlings into a larger pot or garden bed, remember to space them around 18 inches apart from each other. This will provide enough room for each plant to grow and thrive without competing for resources. Gently remove the seedling from its container or nursery tray and place it into a hole in the soil at the same depth as it was previously growing.

Watering during growth

As your catnip seedlings continue to grow, ensure they receive adequate water regularly. Consistent moisture levels are essential during this stage of growth. It is recommended to water them deeply once or twice a week rather than shallowly every day.

Thinning

If your catnip seedlings start overcrowding each other or appear weak and spindly, thinning may be necessary. Carefully remove any extra plants so that remaining ones have enough space and nutrients for optimal growth. Thinning also helps prevent diseases related to poor airflow among plants.

Fact Sheet

Remember to download our fact sheet below for the ideal growing conditions for your catnip.

Recommended Varieties

When it comes to growing catnip, there are a few recommended varieties that every cat owner should consider. The first is Nepeta cataria, also known as true catnip, which is a member of the mint family. This variety is loved by cats for its potent aroma and minty flavor. Another popular choice is Nepeta faassenii, also known as catmint, which is a herbaceous perennial that produces beautiful lavender-blue flowers and has a more mellow scent compared to common catnip.

If you’re looking for something a little different, try the lemon-scented variety of catnip called Nepeta citriodora. Its citrusy fragrance is thought to be especially appealing to felines. Or you could opt for the silver-white foliage of Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’, which not only looks stunning in the garden but also entices cats with its strong aroma.

All of these varieties belong to the Nepeta genus and have square stems, a characteristic of plants in the Lamiaceae family. These plants are easy to grow and care for, making them a great addition to any garden. Consider planting a few different varieties to see which one your cat prefers.

Harvesting

To harvest catnip, wait until the plant is in full bloom, typically around mid to late summer. Look for signs of maturity such as flowers fully opened and leaf color rich and vibrant. The leaves should also be slightly fuzzy to the touch. Use a pair of sharp gardening shears or scissors to cut off the stems just above a set of leaves. Be sure not to prune too much, as this can weaken the overall health of the plant. Once harvested, tie small bunches of catnip stems together with string or rubber bands. Hang these bundles upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area like a basement or closet. Let them air dry for about two weeks until they become brittle. This will ensure that the leaves and stems are fully dried and ready for use.

Interesting Facts

Catnip is a fascinating plant with many intriguing qualities. It is well-known for its euphoric effect on cats, which is triggered by a chemical compound called nepetalactone. When cats sniff or consume catnip, they may become playful, frisky, relaxed, or content. However, not all cats are affected by catnip, and the response can vary depending on the cat’s age, sex, and genetics.

For humans, catnip has a minty and slightly bitter taste that can be used in teas or added to recipes for a unique flavor. In fact, catnip tea has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments, such as headaches, insomnia, and anxiety. Catnip is also edible for humans and can be used as a seasoning or garnish for salads, soups, and stews.

Catnip is native to Europe and Asia, but it has spread all over North America due to its popularity with domesticated cats. Its history is shrouded in mystery, but some historians believe that English colonists brought it with them to America as a familiar source of medicine. Today, catnip is widely cultivated in the United States and other countries for its medicinal and ornamental value.

Symbolically, catnip has been associated with love and fertility throughout history. Women used to carry dried catnip in amulets or sachets to attract suitors or ensure marital bliss, while farmers planted catnip near their homes to ward off evil spirits and protect their livestock from infertility and disease.

In addition to its effects on cats and humans, catnip also attracts bees and other pollinators with its fragrant flowers. This makes it a valuable plant for gardeners who want to support local ecosystems and promote biodiversity.

Overall, catnip is a versatile and fascinating plant that has many benefits for cats, humans, and pollinators alike. Whether you’re growing catnip for your feline friend or for yourself, it’s sure to add a touch of magic and mystery to your garden.

Pest and Diseases:

Pest Control Products

To keep your catnip plants healthy and free from pests, you can use various pest control products. Here are some of the best pest control products for catnip plants:

Photo	Title	Description	Buy
	Bonide Insecticidal Soap, 32 oz Ready-to-Use Spray	Insecticidal Soap controls adelgids, aphids, lacebugs, mealybugs, mites, tent caterpillars, grasshoppers, thrips, scale, & more.	Buy Now
	Natria Neem Oil Spray for Plants Pest Organic Disease Control	Easy ready to use organic multi-use neem oil for plants can help control pest and disease on plants. Helps control blackspot, botrytis, downy mildew, powdery mildew, scab, rust and more.	Buy Now
	Garden Safe 32 oz. Fungicide Ready to Use	Garden Safe fungicide designed for organic gardening. Ready-to-use three in one formula – garden fungicide, insecticide and miticide.	Buy Now
	Bonide Fung-onil Multi-Purpose Fungicide 32 oz. Ready to Use.	Protect and prevent common fungal diseases with Fung-onil Multi-Purpose Fungicide Concentrate from Bonide. Controls leaf spot, rust, blight, mildew, scab mold and other listed diseases.	Buy Now

These products are effective in controlling pests and diseases that commonly affect catnip plants. However, prevention is always better than cure, so it’s important to take steps to prevent pests and diseases from attacking your catnip plants in the first place.

To prevent pests like aphids and spider mites, make sure your catnip plants have sufficient moisture by watering them regularly. You can also introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings into your garden to control these pests naturally.

To prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew and rust, ensure good air circulation by spacing out the plants adequately and avoid overhead watering to prevent wet conditions. If you notice signs of infection, remove affected leaves promptly to prevent further spread but avoid composting them as fungal spores can survive in compost piles.

By following these preventive measures and using the right pest control products, you can keep your catnip plants healthy and thriving throughout winter and beyond.

Download Our Fact Sheet

As a gardener, it’s important to understand the basic needs of your plants to ensure successful growth and bountiful harvests. To help you with this, we’ve created a downloadable Fact Sheet that you can keep in your journal or garden planner for easy reference.

Our Fact Sheet provides a quick overview of the key information you need to know about your plant’s care. This includes details on ideal growing conditions such as soil type and temperature requirements. With this reference guide in hand, you can easily consult it whenever you need reminders about caring for your plants.

By downloading our Fact Sheet, you’ll have all the key information at your fingertips, making it easy to ensure your plants are getting the care they need to thrive. Plus, by making a purchase through the affiliate links in this article, you are supporting the author and granting them a small commission.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you successfully grow catnip from seed indoors?

To successfully grow catnip from seed indoors, you will need to start with a good quality seed starting mix and sow the seeds about 1/8 inch deep. Keep the soil moist and warm, ideally between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the seedlings have emerged, they will need plenty of light to grow. Consider using fluorescent lights or a sunny windowsill. Be sure to keep the soil moist but not too wet. Once the seedlings have grown a few sets of leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or outdoors.

Which part of the catnip plant should be harvested for use?

The leaves of the catnip plant are the most commonly harvested part for use. They can be harvested at any time, but the best time is just before the plant flowers. This is when the concentration of essential oils is at its highest. Simply cut the stems just above a set of leaves and hang the stems upside down in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area until they are completely dry. Then, strip the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container away from light and heat.

What is the proper method for dividing a catnip plant?

Dividing a catnip plant is best done in the spring or fall. First, dig up the entire plant and gently shake off the excess soil. Then, use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the plant into several smaller sections, making sure each section has a healthy root system. Replant each section in a new location, making sure to water them well.

Do catnip seeds require a period of cold stratification for optimal germination?

No, catnip seeds do not require a period of cold stratification for optimal germination. They will germinate best in warm soil, ideally between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some gardeners have reported better results with germination after refrigerating the seeds for a few weeks before planting.

When is the ideal time of year to plant catnip outdoors?

The ideal time to plant catnip outdoors is in the spring after the last frost date or in the fall. Catnip is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers cooler weather. It is important to plant catnip in well-draining soil and in a location that receives full sun to partial shade.

Can catnip be harvested multiple times, or does it grow back after cutting?

Yes, catnip can be harvested multiple times throughout the growing season. In fact, harvesting the plant regularly can help promote bushier growth and a higher concentration of essential oils in the leaves. After harvesting, the plant will continue to grow and produce new leaves. However, it is important to not over-harvest the plant as this can weaken it and reduce its overall vigor.