How to Keep Catnip Growing Inside

Some cat toys are filled with catnip.

Catnip is a perennial plant that grows well outdoors and spreads quickly. It will also grow indoors if properly cared for. Use catnip as a drug-like herb for your cats, or as a herbal tea. Catnip is also called catmint or catswort. It grows up to 4 ft. tall and prefers U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones four through eight when grown outside. Catnip has little purple flowers when allowed to bloom.

Things You'll Need

• Pot
• Potting soil
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Plant a catnip seedling in a pot with well-draining potting soil. Use sterile, commercially available potting soil so weeds and other pests do not grow in the pot. Insert the plant into the soil so the roots are covered and the leaves stick out above the soil. Tamp the soil down and water thoroughly, until water runs out the bottom of the pot.

2. Grow the plant in a location where it will get morning and afternoon sun. In the outdoors, catnip is tolerant of full sun and partial shade. However, it will dry out faster in a pot, so choose a location with a moderate amount of sun.

3. Water the plant regularly. Do not allow it to dry out. Watering amounts will vary depending on how dry your home is so watch the soil. Water the plant daily in hot, dry conditions, or weekly in a humid environment. Catnip prefers wet, but not waterlogged, soil.

4. Prune catnip once it reaches 4 inches in height. Cut it back just above the last leaves. This trimming encourages new, bushy growth and keeps it from getting straggly. Prune the plant in this manner every time it grows another 4 inches. Do this throughout the growing season.

5. Harvest catnip when you first see blossoms by cutting it back 2 inches below the blossoms. Dry the trimmings for your cat to enjoy or for your tea.

References

• West Virginia University Extension Service: Growing Herbs in the Home
• "The Northwest Herb Lover's Handbook: A Guide to Growing Herbs for Cooking"; Mary Preus; January 2002
• "Cat Lover's Daily Companion: 365 Days of Insight and Guidance for Living a Joyful Life With Your Cat"; Kristen Hampshire, et al.; October 2009
• Pantry Garden Herbs: Catmint

Resources

• Functional Gardens: Indoor Herb Garden