Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb in the mint family. It is primarily recognized for the euphoric effect its volatile oil, nepetalactone, has on many domestic cats. Beyond its appeal to felines, catnip is a hardy, easy-to-grow addition to home gardens. Securing a healthy plant or viable seeds is the first step in cultivating your own supply. This guide explores the various methods for purchasing this popular herb.
Identifying Local and Retail Sources
Physical garden centers and nurseries are the most direct way to acquire a catnip plant ready for transplanting. These local businesses often stock Nepeta cataria alongside other common herbs during the spring and early summer. Buying locally allows buyers to inspect the foliage and root systems before purchase, and staff can provide region-specific advice on planting conditions.
Large national retail chains, such as home improvement stores with seasonal garden departments, also frequently carry catnip plants. Availability generally peaks once the threat of the last frost has passed, making late spring the easiest time to find small potted starts. These high-volume retailers offer convenience and wide geographic access, though the selection is often limited to common varieties.
Agricultural supply stores, which cater to both hobby and commercial growers, are another reliable source for catnip starts or seeds. These stores often maintain stock throughout the growing season, sometimes offering plants in larger quantities or at different stages of maturity. Checking the herb section during the peak planting window provides the best chance of finding robust, locally acclimated plants.
Purchasing Through Online Nurseries and Mail Order
The internet provides extensive options for acquiring catnip through mail order. Online plant nurseries specialize in shipping live plants directly to the consumer. This method is beneficial for gardeners seeking specific or less common Nepeta cultivars, such as ‘Walker’s Low’ or ‘Six Hills Giant,’ which are often difficult to find locally.
These e-commerce sites and specialty herb growers typically offer a wider genetic diversity than a standard garden center. Plants are shipped as small starts or plugs. The main benefit of using online sources is the ability to source plants outside of the traditional local growing season or to find certified organic or heirloom varieties.
Seed companies that primarily sell packets of seeds will occasionally offer live plant starts for a limited time during their peak shipping season. Buyers should carefully review the shipping policies and guarantees offered by these companies, as the success of the purchase depends on the plant’s condition upon arrival. This method broadens the available selection considerably.
Deciding Between Seeds, Seedlings, or Mature Plants
When purchasing catnip, buyers must decide on the starting format, which dictates the timeline and effort involved. Seeds are the most economical option and offer the greatest quantity, but they require patience and knowledge of starting techniques. Seeds must be sown indoors four to six weeks before the last expected frost or directly into the garden soil once temperatures stabilize.
Starter plugs or seedlings represent a compromise, offering a small, established plant with a developed root system that skips the initial germination phase. These young plants require less initial care than seeds and can typically be transplanted into their final location within a few weeks. Seedlings are often preferred by gardeners who want a head start without the higher cost of a fully mature specimen.
Mature, potted catnip plants offer immediate gratification and the quickest path to harvesting the herb. These plants, usually sold in quart or gallon containers, are the most expensive option but carry the least risk of failure. They are ideal for gardeners with limited time or those who want instant visual impact and a plant robust enough to withstand minor environmental stresses after transplanting.
Essential Care Instructions Immediately After Purchase
Immediate care dictates the long-term success of a newly arrived catnip plant. Live plants purchased in small pots or shipped as bare-root starts must be transplanted into a larger container or the garden bed within 24 to 48 hours to prevent transplant shock. The new container should be at least two inches larger in diameter than the original pot to give the roots room to expand.
The initial watering is important, requiring a deep soak to settle the soil around the roots and alleviate stress from the move. After this first saturation, allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly before watering again, as catnip prefers well-draining conditions. Overwatering is a common mistake that can quickly lead to root rot.
Catnip thrives best in a location that receives full sun (at least six hours of direct sunlight per day). If the plant was purchased from a shaded greenhouse, gradually introduce it to direct sun over three to five days to prevent leaf scorching. Placing the plant in its final, sunny location immediately after transplanting helps ensure a smooth transition and rapid establishment.