A perennial that thrives in most of North America and is very easy to grow, catnip (Nepeta cataria) is clump forming with square stems and triangular to oval, gray green leaves with toothed edges that stretch around 3 inches long.
If you want to create an easy-care border or planter for the home, try this quick-to-grow and free flowering perennial. It’s great for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.
It should be planted in the spring. While many cats enjoy catnip, the oil of the plant is technically toxic to them.
When to Plant
Plant catnip in the spring after the threat of frost has passed.
If you start your plants in containers or flats, you’ll need to have them transferred to the garden
Selecting a Planting Site
The ideal location for catnip will get lots of sunshine, and have well-drained soil. You’ll also want to make sure no taller plants nearby are blocking out the sun all day long.
Catnip is especially attractive in the summer, and it will appreciate a bit of afternoon shade. It grows well in containers, and a planting site with some kind of boundary, such as a container or rock garden, will help to contain catnip’s spread.
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Spacing, Depth, and Support
Plant catnip seeds 18 to 24 inches apart in the garden. Position nursery plants and seedlings at the same depth they were in their previous container. Lightly cover seeds with soil. Catnip is not sensitive to light so there is no need for a support structure.
Light
Catnip prefers full sun, meaning six or more hours of direct sunlight per day. Too little light can cause leggy growth with sparse foliage. However, catnip does struggle in extreme heat.
If you live in a hot climate, make sure you’re giving your catnip a little shade from the strong afternoon sun.
Soil
These plants don’t care whether the soil is poorly draining or well draining. They can tolerate poor, rocky, and dry soils. An average soil that drains well and has a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil pH is best for them.
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Water
Catnip is a very drought-tolerant plant, and sitting in waterlogged soil can kill it. Maintain a soil moisture level that’s just slightly higher than that which is ideal for seedling growth.
If the foliage is wilting, water the catnip thoroughly. It’s the secret to its wonderful fragrance.
Temperature and Humidity
A catnip plant will prefer temperatures between 55 and 85 degrees. It thrives best in cooler, drier weather conditions. In high humidity, make sure there is good air circulation around the plant to help prevent fungal growth.
Fertilizer
Catnip doesn’t require any additional feeding after it grows to a size where it can be used in cat toys. But if your catnip grows very slowly, you can apply an all-purpose liquid plant food or layer of compost each spring to help your catnip grow better.
Pollination
Catnip is an easy-to-grow, self-pollinating herb for the garden.
How to Grow Catnip in Pots
Growing catnip in a pot prevents it from spreading and causing unwanted damage. Use a container that’s at least 12 inches in diameter, and make sure it has a drainage hole.
Glazing pots keeps the soil from getting soggy and ensures the plant’s roots grow down and deep. Use a well-draining potting mix, and plant your catnip at the same depth it was in its previous container.
How to Grow Catnip From Seed
Plant your seeds about six weeks prior to the first expected frost date in the spring. Soak them overnight, and then keep them in a warm, light place until germination.
Seeds can be stratified in order to germinate and begin growing. Then, plant the seeds one eighth of an inch deep into moistened seed-starting mix. Place the tray in a warm, bright spot.
You should continue to water the plants as needed and wait for the soil to warm up before planting the seedlings outdoors.