- Hardiness Zone: 3-9 Perennial
Sunlight: Catnip thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Catnip can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy and rocky soils. It does well in soil that is not overly rich, as too much fertility can lead to less aromatic leaves.
When to Plant: Catnip seeds can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date or sown directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed. In milder climates, seeds can be sown in early spring or fall.
Starting Seeds Indoors: Sow seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly press them in. Catnip seeds need light to germinate, so do not cover them with soil. Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of around 60-70°F (15-21°C). Seeds typically take 7-10 days to germinate.
Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly in the garden 1/8 inch deep. Space the seeds 12-18 inches apart. If transplanting seedlings, space them 12-18 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart.
Watering: Catnip is drought-tolerant and prefers soil that is allowed to dry out between waterings. Water the plants regularly during the first few weeks after planting to help them establish strong roots, then reduce watering frequency. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to avoid waterlogged conditions.
Fertilization: Catnip generally does not require fertilization. If your soil is particularly poor, you can apply a light application of compost or a balanced fertilizer at planting time. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of essential oil production, which is what gives catnip its strong scent.
Pruning: Regularly prune catnip to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy. Prune the plants back by half in mid-summer to promote a second flush of growth. Removing spent flowers can also prevent the plant from self-seeding excessively.
Pest and Disease Management: Catnip is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can occasionally attract aphids or spider mites. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap if necessary. Ensure good air circulation around the plants to prevent fungal issues, and avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry.
Containment: Catnip can spread rapidly and become invasive in some areas. Consider planting it in containers or in a garden bed with barriers to prevent it from taking over other areas of your garden.
When to Harvest: Catnip leaves can be harvested once the plant is well-established, usually after 8-12 weeks of growth. The best time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun becomes too hot. Harvesting just before the plant flowers will yield the most aromatic leaves.
How to Harvest: Use scissors or pruning shears to cut the stems, leaving at least 4-6 inches of growth to allow the plant to continue thriving. You can harvest individual leaves or entire stems, depending on your needs. The plant will continue to produce new growth after harvesting.
Drying and Storing: To preserve catnip, dry the leaves and stems in a well-ventilated, shaded area. You can hang the stems upside down or spread the leaves on a screen. Once the leaves are completely dry, crumble them and store them in an airtight container away from light and moisture. Dried catnip can be stored for up to a year.
For Cats: Dried catnip can be used as a treat for cats, stuffed into toys, or sprinkled on scratching posts. Not all cats respond to catnip, but those that do often exhibit playful or relaxed behavior.
Culinary Uses: Catnip leaves can be used to make a calming herbal tea. Simply steep fresh or dried leaves in hot water for a few minutes.
Insect Repellent: Fresh or dried catnip can be used as a natural insect repellent. It is particularly effective against mosquitoes. Rub fresh leaves on your skin or clothing to repel insects, or use dried leaves in sachets to deter pests indoors.
Visit Our Detailed Catnip Growing Guide and Tips!
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor Profile: Catnip offers a mildly minty, slightly citrusy flavor, often used in teas and herbal remedies. While not commonly consumed as a culinary herb, it’s cherished for its calming effects and soothing properties.
Culinary Uses: Though primarily grown for its appeal to cats, Catnip can also be dried and brewed into a calming herbal tea. Its leaves and flowers are often used in traditional herbal remedies to promote relaxation and digestive health.
Plant Characteristics
Appearance: Catnip features soft, heart-shaped green leaves with serrated edges and clusters of small, lavender or white flowers that bloom from late spring through fall. The plant grows in a bushy, upright form, adding both visual and aromatic interest to your garden.
Height: Catnip typically grows to about 18-36 inches (45-90 cm) tall, making it a substantial addition to garden beds or containers.
Growth Habit: This hardy perennial thrives in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. It’s drought-tolerant and can adapt to various garden conditions, making it easy to grow and maintain. Catnip is also known to repel certain garden pests, providing additional benefits to your garden.
Benefits of Growing Catnip
Cat-Friendly: Catnip is a natural stimulant for most cats, providing them with enjoyment and stimulation. It can be used fresh or dried in cat toys, bedding, or as a treat.
Easy to Grow: Catnip is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that thrives in a variety of conditions, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels.
Medicinal Uses: Beyond its appeal to cats, Catnip has traditional medicinal uses, particularly in herbal teas to promote relaxation, relieve stress, and support digestion.
Attractive and Fragrant: The soft green leaves and delicate flowers of Catnip add both beauty and fragrance to your garden, making it a pleasant addition for gardeners and beneficial insects alike.
Seeds Per Packet
50mg | Approximately 85 |
100mg | Approximately 170 |
500mg | Approximately 850 |
1g | Approximately 1,700 |
Elevate your gardening experience with Catnip. Whether you’re growing it for your cats, its medicinal benefits, or simply to enjoy its beauty and fragrance, Catnip is a versatile and rewarding plant to have in your garden. Share the joy with your feline friends or brew a calming tea, straight from your garden to your home!
Visit Our Detailed Catnip Growing Guide and Tips!
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor Profile: Catnip offers a mildly minty, slightly citrusy flavor, often used in teas and herbal remedies. While not commonly consumed as a culinary herb, it’s cherished for its calming effects and soothing properties.
Culinary Uses: Though primarily grown for its appeal to cats, Catnip can also be dried and brewed into a calming herbal tea. Its leaves and flowers are often used in traditional herbal remedies to promote relaxation and digestive health.
Plant Characteristics
Appearance: Catnip features soft, heart-shaped green leaves with serrated edges and clusters of small, lavender or white flowers that bloom from late spring through fall. The plant grows in a bushy, upright form, adding both visual and aromatic interest to your garden.
Height: Catnip typically grows to about 18-36 inches (45-90 cm) tall, making it a substantial addition to garden beds or containers.
Growth Habit: This hardy perennial thrives in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. It’s drought-tolerant and can adapt to various garden conditions, making it easy to grow and maintain. Catnip is also known to repel certain garden pests, providing additional benefits to your garden.
Benefits of Growing Catnip
Cat-Friendly: Catnip is a natural stimulant for most cats, providing them with enjoyment and stimulation. It can be used fresh or dried in cat toys, bedding, or as a treat.
Easy to Grow: Catnip is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that thrives in a variety of conditions, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels.
Medicinal Uses: Beyond its appeal to cats, Catnip has traditional medicinal uses, particularly in herbal teas to promote relaxation, relieve stress, and support digestion.
Attractive and Fragrant: The soft green leaves and delicate flowers of Catnip add both beauty and fragrance to your garden, making it a pleasant addition for gardeners and beneficial insects alike.
Seeds Per Packet
50mg | Approximately 85 |
100mg | Approximately 170 |
500mg | Approximately 850 |
1g | Approximately 1,700 |
Elevate your gardening experience with Catnip. Whether you’re growing it for your cats, its medicinal benefits, or simply to enjoy its beauty and fragrance, Catnip is a versatile and rewarding plant to have in your garden. Share the joy with your feline friends or brew a calming tea, straight from your garden to your home!
Share and get 15% off!
Simply share this product on one of the following social networks and you will unlock 15% off!