Note that, while many cats enjoy catnip, the oils of the plant are technically toxic to them.
Start catnip seeds indoors around six weeks prior to your projected last frost date.
see to it no taller plants nearby are creating too much shade for the catnip throughout the day.
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However, if you live in a hot climate, catnip will appreciate some afternoon shade.
Catnip also grows well in containers.
you’re able to alsogrow an indoor catnip plant.
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All you need is a sunny sill with direct light.
Spacing, Depth, and Support
Space catnip plants 18 to 24 inches apart in the garden.
Position nursery plants and seedlings at the same depth they were in their previous container.
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Lightly cover seeds with soil.
A support structure is typically not necessary for catnip.
Too little light can cause leggy growth with sparse foliage.
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However, catnip does struggle in extreme heat.
Soil
These plants arent fussy about their soil as long as they have good drainage.
They can tolerate poor, rocky, and dry soils.
Water
Catnip is a very drought-tolerant plant, and sitting in waterlogged soil can kill it.
Keep the soil of seedlings lightly moist but not soggy.
Mature plants likely wont need watering unless you have a prolonged period of drought.
If the foliage is wilting, give your catnip a deep watering.
Temperature and Humidity
Catnip prefers temperatures between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
The plant tends to struggle in hot, humid climates.
After that, catnip typically wont need additional feeding.
Pollination
Catnip is a self-pollinating plant.
It willattract bees and other pollinatorsto the garden.
Both plants have gray-green foliage on square stems.
However, catmint has a longer blooming period.
And its flowers are purple while catnips are primarily white.
Moreover, catnip is the plant that attracts cats while catmint does not.
Catmint also generally has a nicer form, making it better for landscaping and ground covering purposes.
Harvesting Catnip
Harvest catnip when its in bloom.
Cut off entire stems or even the whole plant if you wish.
Catnip plants are good for making actual catnip for your cat’s enjoyment.
Catnip is used dried in sachets, teas, cat toys, and more.
An unglazed clay container is ideal because it will allow excess soil moisture to escape through its walls.
Pruning
Pruning catnip is primarily to limit its spread and tidy up its growth.
This also can encourage further blooming.
Furthermore, pinch back the stems on young plants to encourage bushier growth.
They will regenerate in the spring with fresh growth.
Propagating Catnip
Catnip will readily spread on its own.
But its also easy to propagate the plant via cuttings.
The best time to take cuttings is in the spring or early summer.
Heres how:
Mature catnip also can be propagated via division.
This is a great way to reinvigorate an overgrown plant.
First, place them in a freezer overnight, and then soak them in water for 24 hours.
Thisstratification processcan encourage germination.
Then, plant the seeds about 1/8 inch deep in a tray filled with moistened seed-starting mix.
Place the tray in a warm, bright spot.
Continue to keep the soil moist, and germination should occur within two weeks.
Plant the seedlings outside after frost is out of the forecast.
However, see to it the container does not become waterlogged.
Choose one container size up, and replant with fresh potting mix.
Overwintering
Catnip typically does fineover the winterwithin its growing zones.
And be sure to stop fertilizing in the fall to avoid promoting new growth.
Dont water the plant over winter.
Wet soil in the wintertime can be fatal.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Catnip isnt prone to many pests or disease issues.
If the plant sits in waterlogged soil for too long, it can succumb to rot.
Catnip plants are quite easy to grow and can tolerate many different growing conditions.
Catnip is a fast grower and will reach its mature size within one growing season.
Catnip is a perennial plant and will grow back every year.
