Catnip: Growing from Seed, Species, Cats and Harvesting the Foliage

In brief: Catnip is an undemanding perennial herb that you can grow from seed: in March on a windowsill, in May in a sunny spot 40–50 cm apart. It flowers from June to September. The foliage is harvested at the start of flowering and dried in the shade. Protect young plants from cats, which like to roll in them.

Catnip is an undemanding perennial herb with a lemony-minty scent. It grows in sun and in partial shade, tolerates poorer and drier soil and lasts in one place for roughly 3–5 years. The biggest enemies of young plants are not pests but cats, which roll in them.

What catnip looks like and how many species you will meet

Catnip has grey-green heart-shaped leaves and white flowers with purple spots. The plant grows 40–100 cm tall. It is often confused with Faassen's catmint, which is rather ornamental.

Anyone who wants blue flowering edges to beds will rather reach for Faassen's catmint. For cats and herbal tea, catnip is better.

Growing from seed step by step

1. Timing. Sow on a windowsill in March to April, directly outdoors from the end of April to May. An autumn sowing outdoors also works; the seeds come up in spring.
2. Sowing. Scatter the seeds on damp seed compost and cover with only a thin layer, around 0.5 cm. Cover with sheeting or the lid of a mini-propagator.
3. Germination. At 18–22 °C they germinate in 7–20 days, irregularly. It helps to put the sowing in the cold for 1–2 weeks (fridge or an outdoor windowsill) and then into warmth.
4. Pricking out. Transplant seedlings with 2–4 true leaves individually into small pots.
5. Planting. In May after hardening off, plant at a distance of 40–50 cm. Ordinary well-drained soil is enough; do not feed.
6. Protection. Surround young plants with netting or a wire basket for a few weeks, otherwise cats will flatten them before they root.

Care and calendar

Catnip readily self-seeds. If you do not want that, cut off the spent flower spikes before the seeds ripen.

Catnip in a container and in a bed

Catnip also grows well in a container about 25–30 cm in diameter with holes in the bottom and well-drained substrate. In a container water it only when the surface has dried out, and place it in a sunny or partially shaded spot. In a bed combine it with other undemanding perennials, for example sage, thyme or lavender, which have similar requirements for well-drained soil. You can support tall plants in a windy spot. In a bed where cats roam, expect the plants to be alternately damaged and recover.

Collecting and propagating seeds

Collect the seeds at the end of summer from ripe flower spikes. Put them in a paper bag, let them dry further and shake out the seeds. Store them dry and cool. Catnip can also be propagated by dividing older clumps in spring. The plant self-sows easily, so pull up unwanted seedlings early, while they are small.

Catnip and cats

Cats are attracted by the substance nepetalactone, which the leaves and flowers contain. After sniffing it, the cat rubs, rolls, licks and is often playful, for roughly 5–15 minutes. Afterwards it does not react to catnip for about half an hour to two. The reaction is hereditary, so some cats do not notice catnip at all, and kittens under 3–6 months usually do not react.

• Safety. In normal amounts it is not poisonous for cats. If they eat a large quantity, they may have brief digestive problems.
• How often. A few times a week is enough. With constant access cats lose interest.
• Toy. Put 1–2 spoonfuls of dried catnip into a cloth bag or a sock and sew it shut. The scent lasts several weeks.

Harvesting and drying

Cut the foliage at the start of flowering on a dry morning, 20–30 cm long tops. Tie them into small bunches and hang them upside down in shade and a draught, or dry them in a dehydrator at up to 35 °C. Crumble the dry leaves and flowers and store them in a tightly closed container; nepetalactone evaporates quickly. Protect both the drying place and the supply from cats.

Tea and traditional use

In folk herbalism catnip was drunk as herbal tea. We do not promise any health effects. Do not drink it in pregnancy, and for children consult a doctor. Home herbal preparations do not replace medical care.

Essential oil and cats

Catnip essential oil is not for cats. Cats cannot break down substances from essential oils well, and even a small amount can harm them. Use the oil only for people, always diluted and in a room where there is no cat. Do not use any essential oils in a diffuser in a room the cat cannot leave. More about the oil in the article Catnip essential oil: nepetalactone.

Diseases and pests

Catnip tends to be resistant. In a rainy summer and in damp conditions it may suffer from powdery mildew, and in spring it is occasionally nibbled by slugs and aphids. Prevention is a sunny position, airy spacing and watering at the roots. Cut off affected parts. After cutting back in summer the plant shoots again and usually flowers a second time, so cutting back is also care.

Frequently asked questions

Why do cats love catnip?

Because of nepetalactone, a fragrant substance in the leaves and flowers. In sensitive cats it triggers brief playfulness.

Is catnip safe for cats?

In normal amounts it is not poisonous. In large amounts they may have brief digestive problems.

When should catnip be sown?

On a windowsill in March to April, outdoors from the end of April to May, or in autumn.

What is the difference between catnip and Faassen's catmint?

Catnip is an herb with white flowers and a strong effect on cats; Faassen's catmint is an ornamental perennial with blue flowers that attracts cats more weakly.

How long does catnip last?

In one place roughly 3–5 years, after which the clump is divided and rejuvenated.

Sources

• Catnip – a perennial herb attractive to cats, Wikipedia
• Nepeta cataria – Botany.cz

Updated: 5 October 2026