Catnip, botanically known as Nepeta cataria, is a perennial herb in the mint family prized for its aromatic essential oil. The primary goal when harvesting this plant is to maximize the concentration of the active chemical compound, nepetalactone. This compound is responsible for the euphoric or stimulating effect the herb has on many felines. Achieving the highest possible potency depends on precise timing and proper handling after the plant is cut.
Identifying the Ideal Harvest Time
The most potent time to harvest catnip is during the plant’s reproductive cycle, typically in mid-summer, before the first hard frost arrives. This timing coincides with the maximum production of nepetalactone within the plant’s foliage and flowers. The concentration of essential oils peaks just as the plant begins to flower, indicating that the plant has shifted its energy toward reproduction.
Visually, the ideal window is when the flower buds have fully formed and the first few flowers on the stalk have begun to open. Harvesting at this stage ensures the leaves and flowering tops contain the highest levels of the desired compound. Waiting until the plant is in full, spent bloom may result in a slight decrease in oil concentration. It is also beneficial to harvest on a dry, sunny day, waiting until the morning dew has completely evaporated. This prevents moisture from promoting mold growth during the drying process.
Proper Harvesting Methods
Use a clean, sharp tool like scissors or pruning shears to make a quick, undamaged cut. The focus should be on collecting the upper third of the plant, including the stems, leaves, and flowering tops, as these parts contain the densest accumulation of nepetalactone.
The cut should be made just above a healthy leaf node. This technique encourages rapid regrowth and allows for multiple harvests throughout a single growing season. Leaving approximately four to six inches of stem above the soil line ensures the plant has enough foliage to photosynthesize and regenerate quickly for a second yield. Harvesting the entire stem, rather than simply pinching off individual leaves, is the most efficient way to collect a potent supply.
Drying and Storing Catnip for Maximum Effect
Immediately after harvesting, the catnip must be dried to prevent degradation of the nepetalactone and to prepare it for long-term storage. The drying environment needs to be cool, dark, and well-ventilated, as direct sunlight and heat will quickly break down the delicate essential oils. Exposure to UV light can significantly reduce the potency of the final product.
To dry, the harvested stems can be tied into small bunches and hung upside down, or the leaves and flowers can be spread in a thin layer on fine-mesh screens or drying racks. Good air circulation is paramount to ensure even drying and prevent the growth of mildew. The catnip is fully dried when the leaves and flowers are brittle and crumble easily between the fingers; this process usually takes between one and four weeks, depending on humidity. Once dried, the material should be gently crumbled, and the bulky, less potent stems should be discarded. The finished product must be stored in an airtight container, such as a glass jar, and kept in a cool, dark location to maintain maximum potency over time.