Catnip, Latin name Nepeta cataria, is a perennial herb valued for its medicinal properties and attractiveness to felines. The plant produces arrow-shaped foliage used to make catnip tea, and crowded clusters of white and lavender flowers that attract bees to the garden. When bruised, catnip leaves emit a fragrance that transforms many adult cats into playful kittens. Hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, catnip herb thrives in most areas of the United States.
Choosing and Preparing a Site to Grow Catnip
This easy-to-grow herb tolerates a wide variety of soil types, although it performs best in well-drained, sandy soil of average fertility. Choose a planting site that receives full sun for the strongest aroma from your catnip plants. The plants may tolerate light shade, but will not grow as profusely or flower as abundantly as plants grown in full sun.
Prepare the planting site by tilling a 1- to 2-inch layer of clean sand into the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches to increase drainage prior to planting. If the soil is poor, till in a few inches of organic compost to increase fertility. Make sure the planting site is far from other plants, as catnip frequently sustains damage from roaming felines who become intoxicated by the herb's scent. Young plants may need protection from cats until they are well established.
How to Grow Catnip from Seed
Growing catnip from seed is perhaps the most difficult way to start, but it can be done with a little patience. Sow catnip seeds, which are widely available from seed companies, directly in the garden in spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Cover the seeds with 1/8 inch of soil and water thoroughly to moisten.
Keep the soil moist until germination occurs in approximately 7 to 10 days. Once the seedlings have emerged and produced five sets of leaves, usually when the plants are around 6 inches tall, thin to one plant every 12 to 18 inches. Allow the strongest plants to remain and water twice weekly for the next two weeks after thinning to help establish the root system.
How to Grow Catnip from Cuttings
Starting catnip plants from cuttings may be easier than beginning from seed, although it still takes work and patience. In spring, take 4-inch long stem sections from established plants and place them in a moist growing medium. Soil-less potting mix works best. The cuttings will begin to root in about a week. Once roots appear, transplant outdoors in the prepared planting site, spacing each plant 12 to 18 inches apart. Water twice weekly until plants are established.
How to Grow Catnip from Container-Grown Plants
The easiest way to establish a catnip patch is to plant container-grown plants obtained from a nursery or a generous friend. Loosen the soil in an area twice the diameter of the container and space plants 12 to 18 inches apart to allow plenty of room for growth. Water thoroughly after planting to compact the soil and provide the roots with moisture. Continue watering twice weekly for the first two weeks to help the roots become established in their new home.
Caring for Catnip Plants
Once established, catnip herb requires only minimal care to thrive. This hardy plant reaches up to 3 feet in height and survives for several years with simple, routine maintenance. For the best results, follow these tips on how to grow catnip:
- Watering – Catnip requires supplemental watering only during extended dry periods, or when at least two weeks have passed with no natural rainfall.
- Mulching – Apply a 1- to 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of catnip plants before their first winter to help insulate the soil and increase moisture retention.
- Fertilizing – Use a water-soluble flower fertilizer according to the manufacturer's directions twice per month from spring until summer. Cease feeding when flowers begin to appear.
- Pruning – Shear back plants in late summer to encourage the growth of new shoots and blossoms. Remove faded blooms as necessary to increase aesthetic appeal. Cut back plants to the ground after the first fall or winter freeze.
- Harvesting – Cut stems prior to flowering in early summer, remove the leaves from the stems and dry on screens in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Leaves will be dry in two to three weeks. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place when not in use.
References:
Bost, Toby, and Jim Wilson. Carolinas Gardener's Guide. Franklin: Cool Springs Press, 2005. Print.
Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Emmaus, Pa.: Rodale Books, 1998. Print.
Cindy Ausbrooks - Cindy Ausbrooks is a freelance writer living in the beautiful Hot Springs, AR. She enjoys herbalism, natural medicine, animals, crafts, ...
