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Growing your own vegetables and herbs for personal use can be fulfilling, but don’t overlook your beloved feline friends. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb from the mint family, valued for its ornamental qualities and primarily grown for the pleasure it brings to cats. Fortunately, you can cultivate this plant both indoors and outdoors by following these steps. You and your cat will soon be enjoying the rewards of your efforts.
Expert Contributors:
– Angelika Zaber, lawn care specialist at Online Turf
– Tammy Sons, founder and CEO of TN Nursery
– Ward Dilmore, founder and chief landscape designer at Petrus Landscaping
Related: Understanding Catnip: Is it Safe for Your Pet? Insights from Veterinarians
Starting From Seeds
If you reside in zones 3 to 9, consider sowing catnip seeds outdoors between spring and late summer. Otherwise, beginning indoors is a more viable option.
“Cultivating catnip seeds can be challenging due to their low germination rate, unless subjected to stratification,” explains Angelika Zaber, a lawn care specialist at Online Turf. “To enhance their chances of sprouting, freeze the seeds overnight, soak them in water for 24 hours, and then plant them in a sunny location with well-draining soil.”
Ward Dilmore, founder and chief landscape designer at Petrus Landscaping, suggests germinating catnip seeds on a slightly moist paper towel. Spread the seeds on one side of the towel, fold it, and place it in a plastic bag to create a greenhouse-like environment. Within a few days, the seeds should start germinating. Plant them 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep in potting mix and position them in a sunny spot, ensuring the soil remains adequately moist as the seedlings develop.
Growing Catnip in Containers
Catnip has invasive tendencies, making container planting a suitable choice for better growth management. Adequate drainage is crucial when planting in containers.
“Select a pot that accommodates the root growth without waterlogging issues,” advises Tammy Sons, CEO of TN Nursery. “Repot the plant when it becomes root-bound.”
Related: Selecting the Right Pot Size for Your Plants
Outdoor Planting
Catnip thrives with ample space to proliferate, potentially spreading vigorously if not properly tended to—hence container cultivation is favored. “While catnip can overrun neighboring plants in a garden, it’s easily pruned and controlled,” says Dilmore. “Trimming catnip in autumn aids in keeping it in check and stimulates fresh growth come springtime.”
Care Instructions
Zaber notes that catnip care remains consistent whether grown indoors or outdoors, with minor variations to consider.
Sunlight
“Catnip requires six hours of sunlight; indoors, position it near a sunny window,” Zaber advises. ”
When using fertilizer, feed catnip lightly as fertilizers can reduce the oil content that cats enjoy. To protect the plant outdoors, consider using wire fencing or bamboo sticks to prevent neighboring cats from lying on top of it. Catnip is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but be cautious of overwatering to avoid root rot. In case of powdery mildew, remove affected leaves and apply a fungicide. Whiteflies and spider mites may occasionally attack catnip, and improving air circulation and using neem oil can help combat these pests. Common mistakes in catnip care include overwatering and improper sunlight exposure. To propagate catnip, use seeds from dried flower stalks or take stem cuttings. Ensure seeds undergo stratification before planting and follow proper steps for stem cuttings in water or soil. Avoid planting catnip too close to other plants to prevent overgrowth.
