Catnip Growing Guide
Growing Catnip is easier than you think. This guide walks you through everything you need — from planting your first seed to harvesting.
At a Glance
Difficulty
Easy
Category
Herb
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Frost Tolerance
Frost Hardy
Growing Zones
Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Plant Family
Lamiaceae
Growing Season
Cool & Warm Season
Plant Lifecycle
Perennial
Also grows well as
When To Start
First Chance to Plant
14 Days Before Last Frost
Last Chance to Plant
30 Days Before First Frost
When should you plant Catnip?
Your planting dates depend on your local climate. Sign up and add your location to unlock personalized dates.
Your Catnip Planting Window
Start planting
May 15, 2026
Last chance
Sep 10, 2026
The Journey Ahead
Catnip's Lifecycle
Seedling
Mature Plant
Seed Production
Step 2
Planting & Sprouting
Expect sprouts in 10–20 days
Growing Tips
- 1Catnip thrives in full sunlight, so choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of direct sun each day.
- 2It prefers well-draining soil, so consider adding sand or perlite to improve drainage if needed.
- 3Water catnip moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
- 4Space plants about 18 to 24 inches apart to ensure good air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases.
- 5To manage pests, encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs, or use insecticidal soap if necessary.
Seedling Phase
Step 3
Growth & Maturity
~75
Days to Maturity
60 cm
Mature Height
61 cm
Mature Width
Pests to Watch For
Diseases to Watch For
Mature Plant
Step 4
Harvesting
Harvest Window
60 days
When to Pick
Harvest leaves before flowering
How to Harvest
- 1Harvest catnip when the plant is in full bloom, typically in late spring or early summer, as this is when the essential oils are most potent.
- 2Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the stems about 3-4 inches above the ground, leaving some leaves on the plant to encourage regrowth.
- 3Avoid pulling the plant to prevent root damage and ensure continued growth.
Step 5
Saving Seeds
How to Save Seeds
Saving seeds from your Catnip plant is easy and rewarding! Once your Catnip flowers have bloomed and started to dry out, simply snip off the flower heads and place them in a paper bag. Give the bag a gentle shake to release the tiny seeds, then pick out any leftover plant material. Let the seeds dry for a few days in a cool, dry spot, and store them in a labeled envelope or small jar in a dark, dry place until you’re ready to plant again. You’ve got this—saving seeds is a simple step toward a thriving, self-sustaining garden!
Seed Production
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