With its minty aroma and intoxicate effect on cats catnip is a unique and fascinating herb . But where exactly can you find this darling flora growing in the wild or under cultivation ? Here ’s an overview of where catnip of course occurs and how it is normally grow for household use and gardening .
Catnip in the Wild
Catnip ( Nepeta cataria ) is a herbaceous perennial plant life in the mint kinfolk that is aboriginal to parts of Europe , Asia , and Africa . It can be establish growing wild in its aboriginal habitats including :
This hardy plant life has naturalized across much of North America as well , unremarkably pullulate up in standardized environments face for catnip growing unrestrained along highways , railroad track rail , parks , and vacant lots It often appears in grassland , meadows , open woodlands , and on the fringe of urban areas .
Catnip spreads readily and can be considered a smoke in some regions . It flourish in full sun and dry filth but can tolerate partial shadiness . The plant produce minuscule white efflorescence from late bound through twilight that give means to nutlets dispersed by birds and small mammal . These nutlets permit catnip to disseminate rapidly and colonise new areas .
Finding Catnip in Nurseries and Gardens
Although catnip uprise wild over much of the world the works is also widely cultivated for use as a garden ornamental , cat treat , and herbal tea . you may easily rule live Nepeta cataria plant life for sale at most garden centers and greenhouse specially in springtime . Look for vernal starter plants or seeded player .
You may also come up catmint growing in household gardens , since it is very light to grow . computed tomography possessor often grow small piece to entertain their feline friends . The herbaceous plant ’s mosquito - repelling power also make it a popular gain alongside patios and porches .
For use in landscaping , catnip works well as a filler around molding and beds of ornamentals . Gardeners also grow it in veg gardens to help oneself ward off insect pests . Other capital fleck for plant catnip let in :
Best Regions for Growing Catnip
In the garden , catnip thrives in zone 3 - 9 and does best in zones 4 - 8 . It can tolerate cold winters as far northwards as Canada and Scandinavia . Catnip also grows well in the coolheaded , dampish clime of the Pacific Northwest and Northern Europe .
Throughout the United States , catnip grows pronto across most of the northern half from Maine to Washington and south to Virginia , Missouri and Oregon . It does well in the coolheaded eminent - EL mood of the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada .
Catnip can struggle with hot , humid summers across the southern U.S. Growers in the South should choose partially shaded spots and ply ample wet . In tropical zones like Southern Florida and Hawaii , catnip grows best in containers that can be moved into shade and mist spray .
Growing Catnip in Pots and Planters
One not bad room to provide the right conditions for Nepeta cataria is by growing it in sess and planter . This allows bozo owners to place catnip in an ideal smirch to itch and nibble . Portable container also enable move catnip out of intense sunshine during hot conditions .
Good potting soil conflate with perlite or vermiculite for drainage is ideal for planted catmint . Use container at least 10 inch across-the-board and cryptical . For indoor growing , provide at least 6 hours of sun from a bright window .
urine container plant regularly but avert saturated soil that can pass to root bunk . Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half . Prune leggy growth to keep potted Nepeta cataria compact and full .
Caring for Garden Catnip
In the garden , catnip thrives with minimal care . It choose full sun but also grows successfully in sluttish afternoon shade . works catnip in well - drain soil enriched with compost . distance plant life 18 inches apart to allow atmosphere circulation .
Keep dirt moist the first time of year to plant an extended tooth root organization . Afterward , pee garden catnip hebdomadally if rainfall is miss . implement an constituent granular plant food once in former spring . Prune back bloom after the initial blossom to excite regrowth .
Catnip seldom brook from serious pests or diseases . Watch for aphids , slug and powdery mildew and treat any issues promptly . In winter , mulch plants in cold zones for insularity or snip back foliage after freeze temporary .
Harvesting and Drying Catnip
The leafage of catnip provide the unassailable aroma and flavor , making them the primary part harvest . For the ripe quality , reduce leafage just after plants stop flowering . Mid - forenoon on a dry , sunny 24-hour interval is ideal harvesting metre .
Cut each plant life ’s stems about 3 - 4 inches above soil layer using clean shears . Hang upside down in a dark , dry area until the leave-taking are brittle . Then remove the leaf to store in seal jars or bags in a nerveless location by from sun .
Well - dry catnip keep its scent and flavor for up to a class . Toss any batches that turn brown or musty . Frozen catmint leave also stay potent for several months when stored airtight in the deep-freeze .
So for both household and garden use , catnip is readily available at garden retailers or can be easily originate yourself . With proper care , this versatile herbaceous plant will thrive and spread readily – bringing joy to plant lovers and felines alike !
How To Grow Your Own Catnip
FAQ
Where can catnip be found ?
Is it legal to buy catnip ?
What does catnip do to cats ?
How to find barbarian catnip ?
Where do catnip plants uprise best ?
Indoor Nepeta cataria plants develop best in a cheery window . Catnip develop well in a kind of soils , including wry and rough dirt . However , they thrive in loamy and sandy soil . Whatever you select , verify the soil has good drainage . These plant do well with little water .
Can catnip grow in container ?
Catnip also grow well in containers . In fact , a planting site with some form of boundary , such as a dope , raised garden bed , or stone wall will help to contain catnip ’s gap . you may also maturate an indoor catmint plant . All you need is a cheery sill with direct visible radiation . place catnip plants 18 to 24 inches apart in the garden .
Where can I find information about Nepeta cataria ?
For comprehensive information ( for example nutrition , health benefits , formula , chronicle , harvesting hint , etc . ) please check out our Catnip PDF magazine . Catnip is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to Europe and Asia but also grows throughout North America and Africa .
How to grow catnip ?
Now that you get it on how to grow catnip and keep it happy , it ’s time to get growing ! call up that catnip grows well in the garden and as a potted houseplant , and anyone can produce it at household . Provide lots of sun and excellent drainage to grow plant you and your feline supporter will love .
