Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, catswort, catwort, and catmint, is a species of the genus Nepeta in the family Lamiaceae, native to southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of China. It is widely naturalized in northern Europe, New Zealand, and North America. The common name catmint can also refer to the genus as a whole. The names catnip and catmint are derived from the intense attraction about two-thirds of cats have toward it (alternative plants exist). In addition to its uses with cats, catnip is an ingredient in some herbal teas (or tisanes), and is valued for its sedative and relaxant properties.
Catmint is a plant whose leaves resemble those of mint, with a similar wrinkled appearance. However, the scent of catmint can significantly influence cat behavior. Approximately two-thirds of domestic cats are strongly attracted to it. This effect is not limited to domestic cats; wild cats such as lions, tigers, and other feline species are also strongly affected by catmint. This is why it is commonly referred to as catmint.
Catnip is fairly resistant to disease and typically not prone to illnesses. Still, it can be affected by pests and diseases present in its surroundings. These problems are usually not severe. For care, the plant needs moderate maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to retain a neat appearance and promote healthy growth. Fertilizing can also encourage flowering. Catnip is well suited for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not require extensive gardening experience. It may need more attention when grown indoors.
How to keep Nepeta Cataria.
Light
Catnip does best when it gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day, though it can tolerate dappled sun. Its preference for bright spots comes from its native habitat. Excessive sun can scorch the leaves, while too little light can cause stunted growth or weak stems.
Water
Catnip, which originates from dry grasslands, is a hardy plant that thrives with minimal water and has good drought resistance. It prefers well-drained soil and should be watered weekly to prevent root rot. Although it is typically grown outdoors, it flourishes in conditions of moderate moisture, similar to its native habitat, for optimal growth during its active season.
Humidity
This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.
Temperature
For catnip, the native growth environment is typically defined by temperatures of 23 to 27 ℃ (73 to 81 ℉). However, for optimal growth and development it favors a cooler temperature range of 0 to 32 ℃ (32 to 90 ℉). In cold seasons, temperatures should be kept above 0 ℃ (32 ℉) and exposure to extended periods of frost should be avoided. In hot seasons, it is advisable to provide shade or limit direct sunlight to prevent heat stress.
Fertilizer
A single fertilizer application in spring is generally enough for Catnip, but repeated feedings can maximize growth. Fertilize about once every month to a month and a half. Feeding improves the leaves’ appearance and function, helping maintain even color and a healthy texture. It also encourages root development and enhances nutrient uptake for the plant’s long-term health.
Pruning
Catnip is a hardy herb known for its fragrant leaves and appealing flowers. To maintain its health and appearance, it is best to prune your catnip in early to late spring. Trim back about one-third of the plant to encourage it to grow bushier and prevent it from becoming leggy. Regular pruning helps promote healthier foliage, extends the blooming period, prevents excessive spreading, and rejuvenates the plant.
Pot & Repot
When repotting Catnip, choose a pot 1-2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger with ample drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, ensuring that the root ball is slightly lower than the rim of the flower pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Nepeta
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 3-7
- Mature Height
- 49 cm to 91 cm
- Mature Spread
- 49 cm to 91 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Gray, Silver
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Lavender, White
- Flower Size
- 0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer
- Native Area
- Turkey, India, Austria, Slovakia, Montenegro, Pakistan, Slovenia, Croatia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Russia, Iraq, Germany, Romania, Belgium, Portugal, Netherlands, France, Tajikistan, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Armenia, Greece, Ukraine, Lebanon, Serbia, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Japan, Iran, Albania, Azerbaijan, United Kingdom, Hungary, Turkmenistan
Other names.
Reader questions.
When Should I Water My Catnip?
Proper and timely watering of catnip is essential for its health, growth, and disease resistance. The best time to water catnip is when the soil's top 1 to 2 inches feel dry to the touch. Checking the condition of the leaves is another good indicator; if they appear wilted or lackluster, it's likely time for watering. During its pre-flowering stage, catnip's water needs increase, and it's crucial to ensure adequate watering during warm temperatures and high sunlight exposure periods. However, watering too early or too late could either risk root diseases from over-watering or stunt the plant's growth due to dehydration.
Why should I put fertilizer on my Catnip plant?
Proper fertilization plays a critical role in keeping Catnip leaves healthy and vibrant. It not only enhances their appearance but also ensures they can carry out their intended function effectively. Fertilizing your Catnip promotes consistent leaf color and a robust texture, while also aiding in root development and maintenance. By fertilizing your plant appropriately, you not only support its current health but also enhance its ability to absorb essential nutrients from the soil in the long run.
What are the sunlight requirements for catnip?
Catnip requires full sun, defined as more than 6 hours of sunlight daily, to thrive, but it can also grow in partial sun, which is about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's essential to monitor the movement of sunlight through your garden to ensure that your plants receive the appropriate balance of light and shade, promoting their health and happiness.
What is the native growth temperature range for catnip?
Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, thrives natively in a temperature range of 23 to 27°C (73 to 81°F). However, for optimal growth and development, it prefers a broader and cooler temperature range, from 0 to 32°C (32 to 90°F). It's important to manage its exposure to extreme temperatures, providing protection from frost in colder seasons by ensuring the temperature stays above 0°C (32°F) and offering shade or reducing direct sunlight in hotter seasons to prevent heat stress.
How Should I Water My Catnip?
Catnip prefers well-drained soil and does not require frequent watering, but it may need more during drought or high heat. The recommended watering method is bottom-watering, which helps avoid over-watering and ensures that the roots receive adequate moisture without getting the foliage wet, as catnip is less tolerant of damp foliage. No special tools are required, though a narrow-spouted watering can and moisture meter can be helpful. When watering, focus on the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can prevent fungal diseases.
When should I fertilize my Catnip for the best results?
If you grow your Catnip outdoors, it will send out new growth in early spring. The emergence of these leaves signals that it's time to fertilize. Typically, a single application of fertilizer in spring is sufficient for good Catnip growth. However, if you want to maximize growth, you can fertilize multiple times during spring and early summer. In this case, feed your Catnip once every month to a month and a half.
What are the essentials for growing catnip successfully?
Successful cultivation of catnip hinges on its exposure to abundant sunlight throughout the day, mirroring its native habitat. While catnip can tolerate sun-dappled conditions, too much sunlight can cause leaf scorch, and insufficient light might lead to stunted growth or weak stems. In scenarios where natural sunlight is lacking, especially during winter or in areas receiving less sunlight, employing artificial lighting becomes crucial. Using the right type of artificial light, such as LED which can be tailored to the plant's need, the appropriate wattage based on the plant's sunlight needs, maintaining the correct distance between the plant and the light source, and ensuring the proper duration of exposure can significantly enhance catnip's growth indoors.
How does winter affect catnip and what measures should be taken?
During winter, catnip shows a high tolerance to cold conditions and generally does not require special frost protection measures. However, to prepare for the first freeze of autumn, it is advisable to water the plant generously. This ensures the soil remains moist when it enters a frozen state, helping prevent water scarcity and drought stress for the plant during the colder months. Keeping the soil moist before freezing facilitates a more consistent moisture supply for catnip through winter and early spring.
How Much Water Does Catnip Really Need?
The optimal amount of water for catnip varies with several factors but generally involves moistening the soil to a depth of 2-3 inches. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Catnip's foliage will appear lush and green when properly hydrated, with firm leaves and stems. Signs of over or underwatering include wilting, droopiness, yellowing leaves, and root rot. Maintaining a balance by monitoring soil moisture and ensuring well-draining soil is key, along with adjusting watering practices as the plant matures, especially during hot and dry periods.
When should I not add fertilizer to my Catnip?
During late fall and winter, your Catnip will go into a dormant phase and stop growing. It's best to avoid fertilizing your Catnip during this time. In spring and summer, if you choose to fertilize, start reducing the amount of fertilizer as summer approaches because the growth rate of your Catnip will also slow down. It's never a good idea to fertilize your Catnip when the weather is unusually hot or the soil is extremely dry. Fertilizing in these cases can stress your Catnip and cause it to die sooner.
What are the symptoms of inadequate sunlight for catnip?
Symptoms of inadequate lighting in catnip include the development of smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth due to elongated spaces between leaves or stems, faster leaf drop as a reaction to conserve resources, halted or no new growth as plants enter a survival mode, and lighter-colored or yellowing leaves indicating a lack of chlorophyll. Conversely, excessive sunlight exposure can lead to chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling as a defense mechanism to reduce water loss, wilting due to increased transpiration and difficulty in maintaining hydration, and leaf scorching which affects the plant’s photosynthetic ability and overall health.
What are the symptoms of catnip exposure to low temperatures?
Catnip is remarkably cold-tolerant, yet it's imperative to keep winter temperatures above 0°C (32°F) to ensure healthy growth. If temperatures fall below this threshold, catnip might not show immediate signs of distress during winter, but you might observe a decrease in sprouting or a total absence of sprouting when spring arrives. To remedy this, any parts of the plant that have failed to sprout by spring should be removed to encourage new growth.
