How to Grow Your Own Catnip

Catnip (Nepata cataria) is a perennial herb that is a member of the Labiatae or mint family. Plants grow to about 3-feet high and have heart-shaped leaves with tooth-like edges. Catnip produces light purple or white leaves that bloom from July through September. Although both the flowers and the leaves of the catnip plant are used for medicinal purposes, it is the aphrodisiac effect it has on cats that is its most well-known feature.

Cats often react to this plant by drooling, purring or rubbing against the plant. If you own an outdoor cat and are considering growing catnip, you might find that you have better luck growing it indoors. Although the side effects of exposure to catnip are not harmful to cats, they often destroy the plant by breaking off the limbs and leaves once they discover it.

Things You'll Need

  • 2-inch plant pot
  • Potting soil
  • Catnip seeds
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a 2-inch pot with a good-quality potting soil. Leave ¼-inch space at the top.

    • 2

      Scatter the catnip seeds onto the soil. Apply a light covering of soil over the seeds so that they are fully covered, but buried just below the surface.

    • 3

      Water thoroughly and place the pot in a warm place to allow the seeds to germinate. On top of the refrigerator or on a warm windowsill that does not receive direct sunlight is ideal.

    • 4

      Move the pot to a sunny windowsill that has direct sunlight as soon as the young sprouts appear. Continue to keep the soil moist, but do not over water.

    • 5

      Transplant the catnip to a hanging basket and move outdoors in the spring when the threat of frost has passed. This will give you a steady supply of catnip, but still keep it out of the reaches of your cat.