Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is a perennial herb in the mint family known for producing a temporary euphoric effect in many domestic felines. This reaction is triggered by nepetalactone, an essential oil concentrated in the plant’s leaves and stems. Cultivating this herb at home ensures a fresh, potent, and organic supply while allowing you to manage its aggressive growth habit.
Establishing the Catnip Plant
Catnip thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade, which is beneficial in regions with intense summer heat. The plant prefers well-drained soil, such as loamy or sandy compositions, and handles a wide pH range. Poor drainage is the greatest risk, as it can lead to root issues.
Catnip can be started from seeds, seedlings, or cuttings. Seeds often require cold stratification to encourage germination. Sow seeds indoors about six weeks before the last expected frost, planting them shallowly about one-eighth of an inch deep. Seedlings and cuttings can be transplanted directly after the danger of frost has passed.
As a member of the mint family, catnip is a vigorous grower that spreads through underground runners and self-seeding. When planting outdoors, containment is necessary to prevent it from taking over the garden. Growing the herb in large containers, a raised bed, or surrounded by a root barrier helps manage its spread.
For indoor cultivation, place the pot on a sunny windowsill that receives at least six hours of direct light daily. An indoor plant is easier to protect from pests and neighborhood cats, but it requires a pot large enough to accommodate its substantial root system as it matures.
Essential Care and Maintenance
Once established, catnip is a hardy, low-maintenance, and drought-tolerant plant. While young plants need consistent moisture, mature plants should only be watered when the top two inches of soil feel dry. Overwatering is the most common mistake, often leading to root rot and fungal problems.
Regular pruning encourages a dense, bushy growth habit rather than a tall, leggy one. Cutting the stems back by about one-third stimulates new leaf production, which is the primary source of nepetalactone oil. Deadheading, or removing spent flower spikes, prevents the plant from aggressively self-seeding.
Catnip thrives even in nutrient-poor soil and rarely requires heavy fertilization. If the plant appears to be struggling or the leaves are pale, a single application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring may be helpful. Indoor plants can occasionally be affected by aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies, which are best managed with insecticidal soap.
Protecting the Plant from Enthusiastic Users
The biggest threat to a young catnip plant is the cat it is intended for, as rolling and chewing can quickly crush or uproot the stems. To allow the plant to mature for a successful harvest, physical barriers are highly effective. Simple wire cages, such as a tomato cage or chicken wire cylinder, can be placed over the plant until it is large enough to withstand attention.
For outdoor plants, elevating them in hanging baskets or placing them on tall, narrow stands keeps the stems out of reach. Potted plants can also be secured inside a decorative birdcage or a similar enclosure with mesh small enough to prevent paws from reaching the leaves. A helpful strategy is to grow multiple small plants and rotate them, allowing one plant to recover while offering a designated “sacrifice” patch for your cat to graze on.
Harvesting, Drying, and Storage
The optimal time to harvest catnip is when the concentration of nepetalactone is at its peak, which occurs just as the plant begins to flower. Harvesting during the mid-summer bloom ensures the highest potency. Cut the stems on a dry, sunny day after the morning dew has evaporated. Use clean shears to cut entire stems down to a leaf node, removing no more than one-third of the plant at a time to encourage quick regrowth.
The leaves and flowers hold the highest concentration of the essential oil and must be properly dried to prevent mold and retain potency. Air-drying is the simplest method: tie small bunches of stems together and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space. Alternatively, a food dehydrator set to a low temperature can speed up the process.
The catnip is sufficiently dry when the leaves crumble easily, which usually takes one to three weeks. Once fully dry, crush the leaves and flowers into flakes and store them in an airtight container, such as a glass jar. Keeping the container in a dark, cool location away from direct light and humidity preserves the herb’s aroma and psychoactive effect for several months.