Catnip Plant

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3 Feet

Mature Spread

18 - 24 Inches

Nepeta Cataria, more commonly known as Catnip is a fragrant, perennial herb and a member of the mint family.Thriving in North America, it’s fuzzy, light green, feather/heart shaped leaves and thick stems are topped with clusters of white to lavender flowers. Inside these flowers is where the seeds form in summer, which sow and spread aggressively. To keep the invasive nature at bay, simply pinch off the flower buds. This along with pruning the leaves will promote an overall full and lush growth of the plant. Catnip has many advantages as it creates a whimsical response from cats, the flower petals are often used in tea for humans as well as a topping for salads. When making tea use the petals only, not the entire flower head. This tea is known to be effective in relieving coughs. Cats love it but mosquitoes hate it, proving to be ten times more effective than Deet at repelling mosquitoes…and much safer!

Catnip may be planted as seeds or an established cutting. When starting from seeds, they can be difficult to sprout...often needed to be given the cold treatment. To do this, place seeds in a sealed bag in the refrigerator overnight then remove from the bag and place in a bowl of water for 24 hours. This “damages“ the seed coat making sprouting easier. Seeds normally sprout within 5 to 10 days in warmer soil while taking up to 20 days in colder climates. Either form should be planted in spring when there is no threat of frost. Basically very easy to grow as long as it has substantial sunlight and well drained soil. Water twice weekly the first two weeks then reduce to every other week for an established plant. Plant in full sun to part shade where there is good airflow. Catnip can develop a powdery mildew due to lack of airflow...however regular pruning should allow more air to reach the center, minimizing moisture and resolving the issue.

Catnip Plant Care & Growing Information

Catnip can reach 18 to 36 inches in height and 1 foot in width. Spacing should be 18 to 24 inches. It is considered a thriller, meaning it should be centered and surrounded by smaller plants. Catnip grows beautifully in gardens, containers, flower and herb beds or planters. It can be grown indoors, just be sure to give it time outdoors for adequate air and sunlight. Plant in acidic to alkaline soil, supplying organic aged compost to the soil for added nutrients. Keep the soil moist to prevent drying leaves. It will also welcome the boost from a water soluble plant food.

Other uses for catnip are to dry the leaves and secure in cat toys. It truly lives up to its name as cats are drawn to it as if giving them a dose of extreme happiness! The foliage keeps its best scent when air dried. This plant is a win-win in a vegetable garden…the Catnip attracts cats and the cats deter rodents!

SKU:

CATNIP