Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb in the mint family, widely cultivated for its unique effect on many felines. Its potency comes from nepetalactone, a volatile essential oil concentrated in the leaves and stems. People harvest catnip for use in cat toys, treats, and herbal applications such as teas and tinctures. Timing the harvest correctly is the most important factor for maximizing the concentration of this active compound.
Identifying the Ideal Time for Harvest
The best time to harvest catnip is when the plant is just beginning to flower, as this stage represents the peak concentration of nepetalactone in the foliage. This typically occurs in mid-to-late summer, once the plant has reached full vegetative maturity. Harvesting before blooming risks lower oil content, while harvesting after the flowers are spent means the plant redirects energy toward seed development.
To ensure the highest quality harvest, the timing of day also requires attention. The ideal window is mid-morning, right after the morning dew has evaporated, as low surface moisture reduces the risk of mold during drying. Harvesting after a full night of cool temperatures helps ensure the aromatic oils are fully concentrated within the leaves, preventing evaporation by intense midday sun.
Techniques for Cutting and Collecting
When the catnip has reached its optimal stage, use clean, sharp shears or scissors to make precise cuts. The technique involves cutting the entire stem about a quarter of an inch above a leaf node, which is the small bump where new growth emerges. Cutting above this node allows the plant to immediately regenerate new growth.
Remove no more than one-third of the plant’s total foliage during a single harvest to avoid stressing it. Gather the cut stems gently into a clean basket or container, being careful not to crush or bruise the leaves. Bruised leaves release volatile oils prematurely, diminishing the potency of the final dried product.
Proper Drying and Storage Methods
Drying preserves nepetalactone by removing moisture and must be done quickly to prevent mold and retain potency. The most effective method is air-drying, which involves gathering stems into small, loose bunches secured with twine. These bundles should then be hung upside down in a location that is cool, dark, and has excellent airflow.
A dark location is necessary because direct sunlight causes the rapid degradation of volatile oils. The drying space should maintain a consistent, cool temperature and proper ventilation to ensure moisture removal, which typically takes one to two weeks. The catnip is fully dried when the leaves feel brittle and crumble easily, and the thickest stems snap cleanly rather than bending.
Once fully dry, remove the leaves and flowers from the stems and crumble them lightly. The final dried product must be stored in an airtight container to prevent moisture reabsorption and oxidation. Keep the sealed containers in a dark, cool place, as exposure to light, heat, and oxygen will cause the nepetalactone to break down over time.
Encouraging Subsequent Growth
Following the initial harvest, the catnip plant requires specific care to encourage a second, smaller harvest, often called a “second flush.” Cutting the stems back stimulates the plant to produce new side shoots, resulting in a bushier shape. This pruning action prevents the plant from becoming tall and leggy, which is a natural tendency after flowering.
Providing a light watering immediately after the harvest helps the plant recover from the stress of being cut back. A mild feeding with a balanced fertilizer can supply the nutrients to fuel the plant’s rapid regeneration. This regenerative process allows for another potential harvest of leaves and flowers later in the season, before the first hard frost.