Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, is a perennial herb in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It produces nepetalactone, a volatile oil that induces a euphoric response in domestic cats. Acquiring a healthy specimen is the first step toward growing this aromatic plant at home. This guide offers direction on where to purchase catnip and the immediate care required for its successful establishment.
Retail and Online Sources for Acquisition
Local garden centers and independent nurseries often provide the highest quality starter plants, allowing for immediate physical inspection of the foliage and root structure. These sources typically stock varieties suited for the local climate, and staff can offer region-specific advice. Supporting a local nursery ensures you purchase a plant that has been handled with care and is often less stressed than alternatives.
Big box stores and large chain garden departments are convenient, widely available options, frequently offering catnip at a lower price point. While stock is plentiful, careful examination for signs of neglect or pest infestation is advisable before purchase. Quality may fluctuate greatly depending on the store’s handling practices due to high plant turnover.
For access to a broader range of cultivars or guaranteed organic stock, online specialty nurseries are a strong choice. These vendors ship young plants directly to your door, meticulously packaged to minimize transit shock. Though pre-inspection is impossible, reputable online growers often guarantee their stock and may offer less common Nepeta varieties not found locally.
Farmers markets and local plant swaps represent another purchasing avenue, often providing access to plants grown by home gardeners. Buying from a local grower supports community efforts and can yield unique, locally adapted specimens. Before finalizing a purchase, inquire about the growing medium and whether any chemical treatments were used.
Selecting the Right Catnip Variety and Form
You can choose between buying seeds, a starter plant (seedling), or a mature potted plant, each presenting a trade-off between cost and immediate gratification. Seeds are the least expensive option but require the longest wait time and careful germination conditions. Starter plants, typically sold in small pots, offer a head start and are generally ready for transplanting within a few weeks.
Purchasing a mature plant provides immediate access to the foliage and is ready for permanent placement. Confirm the plant is true catnip, Nepeta cataria, which contains the psychoactive compound nepetalactone. Many ornamental plants, often called “catmint” (like Nepeta x faassenii), may not contain sufficient oil concentration to elicit the desired feline response.
Conduct a thorough health inspection before taking any plant home, paying close attention to the leaves and stems. Look for discoloration, wilting, or small spots, which indicate fungal issues or nutrient deficiencies. Examine the drainage holes for tightly circling roots, a sign the plant is root-bound and requires immediate attention upon transplanting.
Check the undersides of the leaves and the soil surface for common garden pests like aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. Introducing a plant with an active infestation can quickly spread pests to other plants in your home or garden. If pests are visible, select a different specimen to avoid future management issues.
Initial Care and Planting Instructions
Once acquired, place the catnip plant in a location receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While catnip tolerates partial shade, full sun encourages denser growth and higher concentrations of aromatic oils. The plant is adaptable but thrives in well-draining soil, which prevents root rot in overly saturated conditions.
Starter plants should be transplanted as soon as possible into their permanent home, whether a larger container or a garden bed. When planting in the ground, ensure adequate spacing (18 to 24 inches) to accommodate its mature size. If using a container, select one with ample drainage holes and a diameter of at least 10 inches for root expansion.
Catnip is known for its vigorous growth and tendency to spread aggressively through self-seeding and underground runners. Planting the herb in a container is often recommended to manage its spread and prevent it from dominating the garden landscape. Placing the container on a hard surface or burying the pot directly into the ground restricts outward expansion.
Following transplanting, give the plant a deep, thorough watering to help the soil settle around the roots and alleviate transplant shock. After this initial saturation, allow the top inch or two of the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Catnip is drought-tolerant once established, but consistent moisture during the first few weeks supports a strong root system.