How to Grow Catnip

Most people and cats would agree that catnip is the ultimate cat toy. Although it is estimated that about one third of the cat population has no interest in catnip, those that do enjoy "nip", go absolutely crazy over it.

Catnip (nepeta cataria), a member of the mint family, was originally imported for medicinal use from Europe and Asia . (The dried leaves and stems can be made into tea that has diuretic qualities and induces perspiration.) It is a hardy perennial, and grows wild in many parts of the country.

Being a perennial, catnip survives the winter snow and thrives in nutrient-poor, sandy soil. It grows best in direct sunlight with good drainage, but can sometimes be grown in a partially shaded area. Once established, it requires very little care and blooms from early spring until mid-fall. Please note, that it will take approximately two weeks (or longer) for the seeds to germinate. Once the plants are growing well, thin them out to one plant every 12 inches or so, and let them grow until they just start to show signs of flowering. Then trim plants, leaving 6-8 inches of stalk on the plant. You should be able to get two cuttings from the plants in their first year.

Once the catnip is growing well, it can be propagated by dividing, or by placing stem cuttings in water with a little root inducer. Cuttings can be made any time the plant is actively growing.

Harvest your catnip on a dry, warm day. Leaves should be picked in the early spring before the plant flowers. Flowers should be picked in mid-to-late summer, when they are at their fullest. Dry flowers or leaves by placing them in a single layer in a dark, warm, well-ventilated place and leave for two-to-three weeks. If you live in a very humid climate, if you are in a hurry, or if you are having trouble keeping your cat out of the drying nip, you can dry it for 6-8 hours overnight in a very low oven (set at 100 degrees). This works just as well as the slower method.

When the catnip is dried, crumble it and store in air-tight container.

The Benefits of Growing Your Own Catnip

When shopping for catnip toys, I'm sure you've noticed the price of some of them - it's ridiculous! Most catnip toys found in stores, are made using both the leaves AND stalk of the catnip plant. From experience, I have found out that if the stalk is not ground up enough, pieces can poke out through the toy, and potentially hurt the cat's mouth. By growing your own catnip, you can avoid this potential hazard.

You don't have to be a creative genius to make catnip toys; an old sock stuffed with catnip will do fine. However, should you choose to try your hand at creativity, here are a couple of simple (and inexpensive) ideas that I have tried.

- With pinking shears, cut felt into four-inch squares. Take approximately one tablespoon of catnip and tie tightly into a knot

- Cut fairly heavy material (colorfast) into squares (3 - 5 inches) with pinking shears. Sew three sides, insert a good amount of catnip, and sew the remaining side, to make a little pillow