Nepeta cataria aka Catnip

Catnip can be easily propagated through three main methods: seeds, division, and stem cuttings. For seeds, sow them on the soil surface in spring or fall (they need light to germinate), keeping soil moist until germination in 7-10 days. Division works best in spring or fall by separating established clumps at least 3 years old. For cuttings, take 4-6 inch sections of new growth in early summer, remove lower leaves, and plant in sterile soil with consistent moisture until roots develop.

Catnip is extremely hardy and tolerates a wide temperature range, thriving in USDA zones 3-9 (which covers temperatures from -40°F to 30°F in winter). While it handles cold very well, it can struggle with extreme heat and humidity in southern regions, where afternoon shade is beneficial. The plant grows best in moderate temperatures and is frost-hardy, dying back to the ground in winter and regrowing from its taproot in spring.

Catnip grows excellently outdoors and is hardy in USDA zones 3-9, making it suitable for most temperate regions. Native to Europe and Asia, it has naturalized widely across North America and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil, though it tolerates partial shade. It's commonly found growing wild in disturbed areas like roadsides and field edges. The plant is drought-tolerant once established and deer-resistant, making it ideal for low-maintenance outdoor gardens.

Catnip typically reaches 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in both height and width when fully mature, though it can occasionally grow up to 39 inches tall in ideal conditions. The plant develops a bushy, mounded growth habit with multiple branching stems. Healthy, well-established plants tend to become more mound-shaped with age as they produce more branches.

Catnip is a vigorous, fast-growing plant that establishes quickly from seed or cuttings. It can grow from a small cutting to a full-sized plant within a single growing season. The plant is considered short-lived as a perennial (typically 3-5 years) but compensates with rapid growth and prolific self-seeding. Once established, it continues producing new growth and flowers throughout the growing season from late spring to fall.

If growing catnip in containers, repot when the plant becomes root-bound or shows signs of nutrient depletion, typically every 1-2 years. The best time to repot is in spring before active growth begins or in early fall. Use fresh potting soil with good drainage, as catnip requires well-draining conditions. Container-grown plants may need more frequent repotting than outdoor specimens due to limited root space.

Shear catnip flower spikes after the initial flowering in late summer to promote continued blooming and maintain a compact shape. Regular pinching during the growing season encourages bushier growth and prevents legginess. In fall, cut the entire plant back to 2-3 inches above ground level to prepare it for winter dormancy. Deadheading spent flowers also helps control self-seeding if you want to prevent the plant from spreading.

Catnip is generally very pest-resistant, but can occasionally be affected by aphids and spider mites, especially in suboptimal growing conditions. Aphids can be controlled with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap. Ironically, while the nepetalactone compound in catnip repels many insects including mosquitoes and squash bugs, the plant itself may attract a specific aphid species (Aphis nepetae). The most common 'pest' issue is actually damage from cats rolling in and breaking the foliage.

Catnip is remarkably disease-resistant, with very few problems reported. Powdery mildew may occasionally appear as a white coating on leaves during dry summers, though it rarely requires treatment. In hot, humid conditions with poor drainage, bacterial diseases caused by Pseudomonas can occur, which may need bactericide treatment. The most important disease prevention is ensuring well-drained soil, as wet conditions in winter can be fatal to the plant.

The main cultivar of Nepeta cataria is 'Citriodora' (also called lemon catmint), which has a pleasant lemon scent instead of the typical minty-skunky aroma and grows to about 3 feet tall with white and purple flowers. Interestingly, cats are much less attracted to this lemon-scented variety. The straight species has no subspecies, though there are related species in the Nepeta genus like Persian catmint (N. mussinii) and Faassen's catmint (N. x faassenii) that are often grown for ornamental purposes.

Catnip has a distinctively aromatic, minty scent that people describe variously as a combination of mint and oregano, thyme-like, or even 'mildly skunky.' The fragrance is most intense when leaves are crushed or brushed against. The scent comes from the essential oil nepetalactone, which is highly attractive to cats but often less appealing to humans. The cultivar 'Citriodora' has a pleasant lemon scent that most people find more agreeable.

Catnip is completely non-toxic and safe for cats - in fact, it's famous for producing temporary euphoria in 50-70% of cats when they smell or ingest it. The effects last 10-15 minutes and include playful behaviors like rolling, rubbing, and purring. However, excessive consumption can cause mild digestive upset including vomiting or diarrhea. Young kittens under 6 months and senior cats often show little response to catnip. It's also safe for dogs, though they typically show no interest in the plant.

In spring, catnip emerges from dormancy and benefits from light fertilization or compost. Throughout summer, maintain regular watering during establishment, though mature plants are drought-tolerant. Deadhead flowers to encourage continued blooming or allow some to self-seed if desired. In fall, cut plants back to 2-3 inches above ground after flowering ends and apply mulch for winter protection in colder zones. The plant dies back completely in winter, and dead stems can be left to provide shelter for beneficial insects before cutting back in early spring.

Catnip is completely non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. It's safe for cats to smell, rub on, and ingest - in fact, it's famous for producing temporary euphoria in 50-70% of cats through the compound nepetalactone. While not toxic, excessive consumption by cats may cause mild digestive upset like vomiting or diarrhea, so moderation is best. For humans, catnip has been safely used in herbal teas for centuries and is valued for its calming properties. The plant is also safe for dogs, though they typically show no interest in it.

Yes, catnip is a herbaceous perennial that goes fully dormant in winter. In colder climates (zones 3-7), the above-ground portions die back completely to the ground, while the roots remain alive and dormant. In warmer zones, it may stay semi-evergreen but still enters a period of reduced growth. Fresh stems emerge in early spring as temperatures warm. This natural dormancy period is essential for the plant's health and helps it prepare for vigorous regrowth. Cut back dead foliage in fall or early spring before new growth appears.

Yellow leaves on catnip are most commonly caused by overwatering, which can lead to root rot and prevent proper nutrient uptake. Check if the soil is waterlogged and reduce watering frequency. Other causes include underwatering (leaves will be crispy), nutrient deficiencies, insufficient light, or fungal diseases like Cercospora leaf blight (which causes yellowing with small flecks). Bacterial leaf spot can also create yellow halos around spots. Ensure good drainage, proper watering, and adequate sunlight (6+ hours daily) to prevent yellowing.

Brown spots or edges on catnip leaves can result from several issues. Leaf scorch from excessive direct sunlight or heat causes brown, crispy edges, especially in hot climates without afternoon shade. Cercospora leaf blight creates small flecks that enlarge and turn brown, eventually causing the plant to wither. Bacterial leaf spot starts as water-soaked spots with yellow halos that turn black as they enlarge. Root rot can cause browning as the plant weakens. Prevent browning by providing afternoon shade in hot areas, ensuring good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and maintaining well-drained soil.

Drooping catnip is most often caused by watering issues—either too little or too much. Underwatered plants show wilted, crispy leaves and dry soil (water deeply to revive). Overwatered plants have limp, soft leaves and mushy stems near the soil, indicating root rot (reduce watering and improve drainage). Other causes include excessive heat or direct sunlight causing stress, poor air circulation, insufficient light making plants leggy and weak, or root-bound conditions in containers. Check soil moisture first, then adjust watering schedule and ensure the plant receives 6+ hours of sunlight with good drainage.

Slow growth in catnip typically results from insufficient sunlight (needs 6+ hours daily), poor soil drainage, or overcrowding from self-seeding. Catnip is naturally vigorous and fast-growing, so stunted growth often indicates a problem. Other causes include nutrient-poor soil (though catnip tolerates poor soils, extremely depleted soil can limit growth), overwatering leading to root issues, heat and humidity stress in southern climates, or pest damage. Ensure full sun exposure, well-drained soil, and adequate spacing. The plant may also slow growth naturally as it ages since it's a short-lived perennial (3-5 years).