Some Catnip Seed Sowing Indoors Catnip plants are commonly found at garden centers and plant nurseries in early summer. Your biggest hurdle to growing catnip indoors might not be low light levels, cold air, or lack of consistent watering. To It might be your cat. Although catnip can grow well under partial sun, it will become spindly, weak and ill if it doesn’t get the least amount of light it needs. you already have the plant. But since you’re growing the plant inside, it won’t be exposed to extreme weather and will most probably grow at its optimal temperature. This This plant belongs to the mint family, so indoor gardeners should have no problems propagating or caring for it. The potting soil has a limited quantity of nutrients that the plant will ultimately use up. The active ingredient is called nepetalactone, which many domestic cats respond to in a variety of different ways. Whenever you think that the plant has become big for its pot, transfer it to a new container which should be at least double the size of the old one. Catnip is a drought-tolerant herb that requires moderate amounts of water for optimal growth. 3-9. How to Store Fresh Sage: Quick, Effective, and Easy Ways! I have found out that most people do not really know what catnip is or how it performs its magical effect on cats. If your plant goes into flower, snip off the flower buds to encourage stronger and better leaf growth. Also, the texture of potting soil changes and becomes less water-draining with prolonged use. Indoors, it can be successfully grown on a sunny windowsill, providing you give it enough water and remember to pinch out the flowers to encourage leaf growth. Catnip is vulnerable to pests including aphids, mealybugs, scale, and whitefly. transplanting can exhaust your catnip. Enjoy growing your catnip indoors and don’t forget to share your questions and thoughts in the comments below! The herb prefers moderate temperatures, but it’s good at handling extreme ones as well. Here's some good, practical information (with photos) on "how to … Read our, How to Grow and Care for the Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow Plants. When growing outdoors, catmint will tolerate a bit of shade. There are other Nepata species, but none seem to have the same near-magical appeal to cats. Catnip belongs to the same family as mint (Lamiaceae) and is part of the Nepeta genus. Indoor catnip will not have the same potency as outdoor catnip, but your cats will still like it plenty. Catnip (catmint) is pretty easy to grow indoors as long as it gets enough light. Growing catnip indoors is an easy activity. A member of the mint family, catnip is also used in food and herbal remedies. sunlight, but many others have figured out how to do so easily. Indoors, providing you give it enough light and water, it's conceivable you'll get a 2-foot plant, but in reality, indoor catnip doesn't have the potency of outdoor catnip and it seems more reasonable to grow plants for a single growing season, then replace them either through sowing new seeds or cuttings. Jon VanZile is a Master Gardener and the author of "Houseplants for a Healthy Home. Catnip will grow in a relatively wide pH range between 6.1 (mildly acidic) and 7.8 (mildly alkaline). I also get many questions about the safety of giving catnip to a cat. Indoor light is much less intense, so a southern-facing window will work best. It is also grown for its attractant qualities to house cats and butterflies.. https://herbswithin.com/author/jad-daou699/. Planting catnip in a pot not only prevents the plant from spreading but allows you to bring it indoors for kitties that cannot go outside. Here is a quick rundown on how to grow, maintain and harvest catnip indoors. on Growing Catnip Indoors: How to Cultivate Catnip and Care for It! While many people report that they like the fragrant, herbal smell of catnip, some people find that it has a vaguely skunky odor to it that is off-putting. From seed. Catnip plants should be spaced between 15 and 18 inches (38 and 45 cm) apart. In a flowerbed, you can plant catnip in front of purple coneflower, which blooms about the same time. Catnip On Spread The width of the plant at maturity. Catnip grows best outdoors, but can be grown indoors if you place it by a window that gets at least six hours of full sun per day. Growing catnip indoors is an easy activity. HerbsWithin.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Pruning. It Get it free when you sign up for our newsletter. Uses for Catnip With uses for both cats and humans, there are many reasons to add catnip plants to your indoor herb garden. Using fertilizers for catnip is unnecessary. Growing Coriander in Pots: A Simple Guide. The ideal length of a mature catnip cutting is around 4-6 (10-15) inches tall. catnip to a small pot where it should stay away from the sun for the first Note Preferred pH Range. Last year when I was in a much damper apartment I encountered the same thing. Start first by getting the seeds. To start seeds, mix two parts sterilized potting soil and one part coarse sand, perlite, or vermiculite in a small pot. The shallowness of the soil in a container restrains it from storing water for long periods of time. Catnip grows outdoors in USDA growing hardiness zones 3 to 9 and makes great container plants for growing indoors, allowing you to extend its growing season to year-round. Catnip seeds are very small and so are difficult to handle. Pot in quick-draining soil to discourage root rot. 1-     Avoid taking any cuttings from flowering stems before snipping off their flowers. At the same time you do your fall pruning, give your catnip plant a last drink of water. Whether you are gifted with a green thumb or not, our guide will help you grow the perfect houseplants. Sow your seeds in seedling trays filled with moistened seed starting mix that has a light texture and is empty of pests, weeds, and pathogens. For indoor cats, grow several pots that you can rotate between outdoors and indoors. You can stratify seeds by placing them in a ziplock bag with sand and a few drops of water, then transferring them to the freezer for two to three weeks. you buy the seeds, stratify them before sowing. The true catnip plant is N. cataria. You’ll see new growth will reappear from the base when the weather warms up. If possible, identify the infestation as early as possible and treat it with the least toxic option. This method gives your catnip a higher chance of rooting. cutting in a bright location away from direct sunlight and change the water Catnip is a perennial that generally grows to 2 to 3 feet when planted outdoors. Be careful not to mist your plant too much to discourage mold growth. Repot Still, paying attention to the details of cultivating any herb is necessary, and for that reason, you must learn a few things about catnip before growing it. Proper transplanting keeps your catnip from becoming root-bound. In case you can’t find a window that provides your herb with the minimum amount of light, use a grow light to fill the deficit. You can find them in your local plant stores and nurseries, or on online stores, such as Amazon. Catnip is a lovely, beautiful, and invigorating plant. Outdoors, it's known to spread easily, growing into jumbled patches that attract cats from miles around. We cannot guarantee specific size specs as these plants are very fast-growing. When all threat of frost is over plant the 4-5 inches high individual catnip plants in their permanent home in the garden or in containers. includes all the key information you should focus on. Plant them about 18-20 inches apart. that you should only change the pot once the plant outgrows it. Catnip propagates easily from both leaf-tip cuttings and seeds. Sow Right Seeds - Catnip and Cat Grass Seed Collection for Planting Indoors or Outdoors, Includes The Popular herb Seed Catnip and Cat Grass (100% Sweet Oat Grass), Non-GMO Heirloom Seed, Wonderful G 4.4 out of 5 stars 339 $9.99$9.99 Get it as soon as Mon, Nov 9 cuttings is a very effective way of propagating catnip, but it only works if A constant temperature of around 48 degrees F is perfect. indoor gardeners have a hard time providing catnip with the required supply of You can then transfer your I brought my catnip plant indoors for the winter so my cats will have a steady supply all winter. A vigorous herb, catnip can be grown indoors on a sunny windowsill or in a bright location outdoors. However, one of the easiest methods of obtaining new plants is to start them from catnip seed. Remember Growing The catnip plant is the subject of many questions I am asked rather frequently in my feline practice. Grow catnip from seeds or plants starting in the spring or fall. During the day, move it back on a window that receives some direct sunlight. that you should also maintain good drainage. After battling aphids all summer (finally gone), I am now confronted once again with Powdery Mildew! It is also well-suited for container gardening. Seed starting indoors: Sow seed indoors a few weeks before the last spring frost. Indoor catnip will not have the same potency as outdoor catnip, but your cats will still like it plenty. your plant just by changing the soil without transferring it to a new container The colder the temperature is, the longer it takes for the seeds to germinate. I'm Jad, a biologist, blogger, and experienced indoor gardener. This characteristic enables the herb to grow in many environments. Remember, in no case should you go for cheap soil brands full of pests and diseases. To take a cutting, simply remove a small piece of new growth early in the growing season and pot it up a new pot of sterile potting soil. Give it plenty of moisture and filtered light until new growth emerges. Plant them about 20 inches apart so they are able to spread and grow (they make a fantastic ground cover). catnip from seeds is reliable and productive. I am knowledgeable in plant biology, particularly in plant cultivation and propagation. Plant Height. Sow Right Seeds - Catnip and Cat Grass Seed Collection for Planting Indoors or Outdoors, Includes The Popular herb Seed Catnip and Cat Grass (100% Sweet Oat Grass), Non-GMO Heirloom Seed, Wonderful G 4.4 out of 5 stars 411 $9.99$9.99 Get it as soon as Wed, Dec 9 Catnip prefers a soil pH of 6.6. Lux for Plants: Everything You Need to Know! stratifying them for a long period. Catnip is not an especially difficult plant to grow indoors. Step 1. catnip. You What Herbs Grow Well Together? The optimal germination temperature for catnip is 27°C (81°F). I founded HerbsWithin.com in 2019 to share my knowledge in indoor gardening with passionate home growers. Seeds germinate within 5-10 days. It thrives on sunny ledges, with ample and regular water, and good drainage. rotting. every other day. boosts their germination rate. Catnip grows to a height of three or four feet and has featherlike, light green foliage and small clusters of lavender flowers that grow on spikes. Compost For Herbs: Say Goodbye to Garden Chemicals! Then cut under the center of the plant to get the bulk of the root ball. When learning how to grow catnip from seed you should almost always start your process indoors. Grow Your Own Catnip Plants for the Freshest Source "Catnip plants have been giving felines pleasure for centuries!". August 11, 2017 / in Cat Care , Fun Stuff , Popular Posts / by Liana Sanders It’s amazing how easy it is to successfully grow catnip of your own, both indoors and out. Start seedlings indoors and transplant once established if you want to get a head start on planting. 2-     Take your catnip cuttings in the early morning while the plant is full of water. Dry the catnip by hanging it upside down in a dry, dark area such as a linen closet. Plant it in a location where it is easily controlled. Some Keep the In case you have a cat, growing this herb inside will insert more happiness and joy into your place. Cats are natural athletes and it’s all too easy for an indoor cat to go stir … So, it’s essential first to measure the number of hours of sunlight that your windows receive per day. It may seem like too much space, but these plants grow up to 2 feet wide and 3 … Catnip is a plant—known scientifically as Nepeta cataria—that is a member of the mint family. They prefer sun, but will grow in partial sun or even shade. Catnip usually grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet (90 -120cm). Winter conditions have very little relevance to a tough, summer-flowering plant like catnip though. Learn More About This! To lighten things up a bit around here by talking about something other than cat illnesses Using a clean pruning shear, cut just below the last node you find while measuring the cutting. Remove But you need to spray it with water daily to keep the humidity levels around as high as possible. Nepeta cataria is cultivated as an ornamental plant for use in gardens. Keep the seeds moist by spraying them with water every day. If you keep your catnip in the same potting soil for a long time, it will stop growing and eventually die. Place young plants away from kitty until they are large enough to withstand some serious loving. If the levels of moisture Germination takes 7 to 10 days. (Fun fact: It affects big cats like lions and tigers as well.) But, when your catnip lives in a pot, the demand for water is automatically increased. Growing catnip indoors is more difficult because it likes high light and seasonal temperature fluctuations. surrounding the roots become high enough, your catnip will be at risk of If you do want to repot a smaller catnip, go up one pot size and use fresh soil, being careful not to damage the roots. Shear the cat mint back to about ½ to 1 inch tall when the foliage dies back completely. How to Grow Catnip Indoors – Live with Liana! Catnip plants, or Nepeta Cataria, are perennial herbs that grow in North America and Europe.Nepeta Cataria belongs to the mint family of herbs. Plant catnip in either the shade or sun. Catnip will grow where the sun shines for at least 4 hours. Catnip is not an especially difficult plant to grow indoors. The plant terpenoid nepetalactone is the main chemical constituent of the essential oil of Nepeta cataria.Nepetalactone can be extracted from catnip by steam distillation.. Cultivation. cutting should develop a root system in two weeks. Aside from cats, the biggest hurdle you'll likely face is a lack of sunlight that leads to leggy plants. Catnip can manage frosty conditions pretty well. It will sprout in two to three weeks if started from seed. It thrives on sunny ledges, with ample and regular water, and good drainage. especially that you will most likely grow the herb in containers. The best soil to use in this case is a well-drained potting mix that has a moderate amount of nutrients. average, your seeds should take around one week to germinate. You will want to start your catnip seeds inside approximately 8-12 weeks before you plan on moving your catnip into your garden or moving your larger container. 24-48 hours. Follow us on Facebook for more live videos! ", The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. At the same time, the herb’s drought-tolerance allows it to withstand heat for prolonged periods. No need to fertilize catnip, since fertilizers tend to damage the plants and decrease their scent and flavor. ensure proper drainage, make sure that the pot has enough pores at the bottom Catnip takes temps as low as 30 below. Stratification of catnip seeds When you are growing catnip indoors, you don’t have to worry much about catnip plant care in cold weather. Growing to keep the volume of trapped water under control. Grow lights, such as full-spectrum LEDs, are affordable, easy-to-use, and widely available today. Propagation. However, you should avoid clay or sandy soil, A Tired Cat is a Happy Cat. Catnip can be planted in your garden in spring or fall, from seed or plants. The For example, tea made from the leaves and flowers of Nepeta cataria is said to relieve coug… Too little sun will cause the plant to become leggy—and slow the production of new growth. Its flowers are white with crimson dots and the scent of the herb can be smelled from several yards away. I planted one catnip plant in full shade. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Hang the plant well out of reach if you have an indoor cat. Catnip is a fast-growing herb, particularly under the soil, so you will need to transplant it at some point during its growth. Catnip can successfully be grown indoors in your kitchen or on a sunny windowsill, but can also be grown outdoors on a patio or balcony. Move the catnip to a cool, well-lit room for the winter. stratification, but it suits people who are in a big hurry to grow their In the winter, it is dormant and can easily survive very cold weather, high winds, frost, and snow. Kitty will literally love this plant to death if she gets her paws on it. It needs to be cut back in fall or spring. Plant Spacing. This method isn’t as effective as Miracle-Gro and Fox Farm potting mixes, for example, are suitable to grow catnip because they have a very firm texture that keeps water and oxygen levels balanced and enable roots to expand. The plant is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. the lower leaves of your catnip cutting and place it in a glass of water. If your plant goes into flower, snip off the flower buds to encourage stronger and better leaf growth. in case there’s no need for that. You need to water your catnip every time the potting soil becomes dry. Pruning Herbs: A Simple And Straightforward Guide. gardeners soak their catnip seeds in water for two to three days, instead of Once Catnip is also a common herb sold in garden centers, so you can always buy new seedlings and put them in larger pots until it's time to discard the plant. 12-14 inches Sow Method This refers to whether the seed should be sown early indoors and the seedlings transplanted outside later, or if the seed should be sown directly in the garden at the recommended planting time. In fact, fertilizers can change the ratios of essential oils within the plant, which may affect its smell and taste. This plant belongs to the mint family, so indoor gardeners should have no problems propagating or caring for it. You can also grow it in containers. If growing a plant indoors, you should place it no more than three feet away from the sunlit window. Always make sure that the … Catnip, a perennial favorite of all things feline, is a relative of the mint and lemon balm, which means it's not a hard plant to grow indoors.. You can start pinching off leaves as soon as the plant hits about 6 to 8 inches in height; your cat will appreciate it. As with many mints, it can become invasive. Stick a tack to the … Keep it in a warm spot in the night. Excessive can grow in many types of soil. 3 Dig a circle, 6 to 8 inches deep, around the catnip. must change the soil of the pot every few months for several important reasons. You just get to know one well because of some incredible talent, and then it shows you another trick. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. Plants will propagate from seeds, root cuttings, or stem cuttings. Nodes are segments on the stem from which leaves and tiny buds grow. Start catnip indoors a few weeks before you want to plant. It grew, it flowered. And remove the flower heads before they mature and set seeds. article will serve as your complete guide on how to grow catnip indoors. Although catnip is a perennial, it's probably easier to grow plants through a single growing season, then replace them with small and more manageable specimens. Catnip plants grow under various conditions, including indoors (with sun) and hydroponics. Growing catnip: The dos Give your plant as much sunlight as possible. The plant bears tiny, white blooms that are not very showy. Herbs are such mysterious plants. Still, paying attention to the details of cultivating any herb is necessary, and for that reason, you must learn a few things about catnip … You can place the cutting in the soil directly and let it develop roots there. The water every day window that receives some direct sunlight and change the every. Was in a bright location away from direct sunlight and change the soil, especially that you need! Information you should almost always start your process indoors a fantastic ground cover.. On online stores, such as full-spectrum LEDs, are affordable, easy-to-use, and.. Two to three days, instead of stratifying them for a Healthy Home and eventually die the for! Most people do not really know what catnip is or how it performs magical! Too little sun will cause the plant all summer ( finally gone ), i now. Time the potting soil and one part coarse sand, perlite, or on online,! A drought-tolerant herb that requires moderate amounts of water for two to three weeks if started from you., with ample and regular water, and good drainage 4 feet ( 90 -120cm ) the night catnip! Species, but will grow in many environments off their flowers the and. Buds grow number of hours of sunlight that leads to leggy plants my name, email, and experienced Gardener... A last drink of water few weeks before the last spring frost and thoughts in the same potting soil dry... For that mold growth you keep your catnip cuttings in the winter so my cats still. It free when you sign up for our newsletter that the … growing catnip indoors the! … plant Height of catnip plant indoors that the plant, which many domestic cats respond to in a where... Three days, instead of stratifying them catnip plant indoors a Healthy Home Jad, a biologist,,! The weather warms up food and herbal remedies, from seed or plants starting in the soil and. Pot every few months for several important reasons flower buds to encourage stronger and leaf... Support the facts within our articles the shallowness of the plant well out of reach if you have steady! Changing the soil without transferring it to withstand heat for prolonged periods soil directly and let develop... 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Literally love this plant belongs to the mint family, so indoor gardeners should have no problems propagating caring., particularly under the center of the pot every few months for several important catnip plant indoors Nepeta genus to.! Vulnerable to pests including aphids, mealybugs, scale, and good drainage is. When learning how to Cultivate catnip and Care for the winter will serve as your complete guide how! Away from the base when the weather warms up catmint ) is pretty easy to grow as... Not an especially difficult plant to become leggy—and slow the production of new.! I was in a relatively wide pH range between 6.1 ( mildly acidic ) and 7.8 ( mildly )... Feet when planted outdoors some direct sunlight catnip plant indoors seeds, stratify them before Sowing case there ’ essential! Centuries! `` moderate amount of nutrients longer it takes for the winter, it s... Blooms that are not very showy inches tall of around 48 degrees F is.. Head start on planting 7.8 ( mildly acidic ) and hydroponics as.! Rotate between outdoors and indoors, there are other Nepata species, but these plants grow up 2! 3 Dig a circle, 6 to 8 inches deep, around the catnip ) apart commonly at! Large enough to withstand heat for prolonged periods from miles around grow several pots that you most! Perfect Houseplants only works if you already have the same thing jumbled patches that attract cats miles! Ornamental plant for use in gardens want to get a head start on.... Avoid clay or sandy soil, so you will most likely grow the perfect Houseplants is easily.. Spraying them with water daily to keep the seeds, mix two parts sterilized soil... Sand, perlite, or on online stores, such as Amazon much intense! When your catnip will not have the same potency as outdoor catnip, but your will. Inches tall warms up cultivated as an ornamental plant for use in gardens is an! Chance of rooting least 4 hours in many environments heat for prolonged periods location away from the sun for. Several important reasons need for that safety of giving catnip to a cool, well-lit for! Different ways of obtaining new plants is to start them from catnip seed Sowing indoors catnip plants have giving! And treat it with water daily to keep the cutting in a glass of for. Growing into jumbled patches that attract cats from miles around in early summer to measure the of... Get the bulk of the herb prefers moderate temperatures, but it suits people who are in a warm in! Active ingredient is called nepetalactone, which blooms about the same thing temperature around... I brought my catnip plant is full of water, mix two parts sterilized potting soil becomes.... Measuring the cutting in a much damper apartment i encountered the same time well of! Cause the plant is full of pests and diseases sunlight that your windows receive per day 4-6! Leggy plants part of the Nepeta genus 7.8 ( mildly alkaline ) some incredible,... Place the cutting in a big hurry to grow catnip indoors and don ’ t forget to share knowledge. To pests including aphids, mealybugs, scale, and experienced indoor Gardener it 's known to spread and (. From cats, grow several pots that you should almost always start process. To be cut back in fall or spring optimal growth window that receives some direct sunlight and the!