How to Grow Catnip: Planting, Spacing, Care & Harvest

Quick answer

Direct sow after last frost (ISU). — WI says only “a few weeks” without an integer. NC State: can become weedy, so consider a container; many cats are attracted, but it can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Catnip at a glance

PlantDirect sow: last frost
SunFull sun to part shade; average well-drained soil (NC/WI).
SpacingFollow seed packet for depth.
Days to harvestCut leafy stems; cut after flowering to limit reseeding (WI)
-3-2-1LF+1+2+3
■ Start indoors   ■ Plant out   ■ Harvest
Weeks relative to last frost (LF). Colored weeks show when our ZIP planner schedules each step.
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Updated

Planting dates for your ZIP: the ZIP planting planner counts each window from your local frost dates.

Organic pests and diseases: see also organic pest control. Use any product as the label directs.

Pets: NC State: “Many cats are attracted to Cataria catmint, but it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It makes some cats sedated and others stimulated.” Not veterinary advice. (NC State Nepeta cataria)

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) — true catnip. Not ornamental catmints (N. × faassenii, N. racemosa).

Catnip plant
Catnip (Nepeta cataria). Photo: Cbaile19, Wikimedia Commons, CC0 (resized).

Planting timing

Iowa State (Mahaska): sow after spring frost danger — planner Direct sow last frost 0. Wisconsin mentions starting indoors “a few weeks” before last frost — no integer weeks are sourced, so the planner has no Start rule. Prefer direct sow. (Wisconsin catnip for culture notes)

Depth and spacing

Follow seed packet for depth. Mint-family clump — give room or grow in a container (NC).

Sun, soil and water

Full sun to part shade; average well-drained soil (NC/WI). Drought tolerant once established.

Care and containment

NC State: “The plant can become weedy, so consider growing it in a container.” (NC State Nepeta cataria) WI: reseeds readily; cut to ground after flowering to reduce reseeding; pinch for compact growth. Protect young plants from cats (WI).

Harvest

Cut leafy stems for drying or fresh use; cut after flowering to limit reseeding (WI).

Pests and diseases

NC focuses on weedy habit and cat effects rather than insects. Cultural: containment, deadhead/cut after bloom. Deer resistant (NC/WI).

Related: mint · lemon balm · ZIP planner

Frequently asked questions

When do I sow catnip?

Direct sow after last frost.

Will it take over?

It can get weedy — container and cut after flowering (NC/WI).

Is it safe for cats?

Many cats are attracted; NC State notes it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Not veterinary advice.

More grow guides: All grow guides

Sources