Then new flowers appear and the flowering lasts until autumn. To stratify or not, that is the question. The Nepeta plants became known as catnip very simply due to the effect of the plants on cats. So, while catnip’s effects on humans isn’t the same as in cats, the plant certainly is a welcome addition to the home herb garden for its numerous remedies, especially as tea. Cats get frisky when they eat this plant yet humans find it relaxing. Generally it is best to do this at mid-day or after the morning moisture has gone. Catnip can tolerate dry soil. Catnip is a vigorous and weedy herbaceous perennial native to Eurasia in the mint family (Lamiaceae) that is hardy in zones 3-9. Plant catnip in containers and place near aphid-infested crops to encourage lacewings to settle in the garden. The essential oils contained keep mosquitoes at a distance, as they feel repelled by the smell. A compound in catnip called nepatalactone, has been found to be insecticidal. Should You Use Catnip? Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial plant that resembles a typical mint plant.It originates from the plant family Lamiaceae, giving it a distinct appearance. Then, after the first frost, you can cut the plants down to 3-4 inches (8-10 cm.) Feeding: Scratch ½ inch of compost into the top few inches of soil before planting catnip and side-dress plants with aged compost every spring. Catnip can also be added into cooking to aid in digestion. A vigorous herb, catnip can be grown indoors on a sunny windowsill or in a bright location outdoors. In fact, only about two-thirds of cats will be drawn to catnip, exhibiting behaviors like licking, rubbing catnip toys, rolling in the herb, and drooling. Toys – catnips can work as a stimulant. Catnip is a perennial herb from the mint family labiatae. But when they grow and it becomes a power struggle for space, the catnip wins. Native to Europe, Africa, and Asia, it was imported to North America and now grows like a wild weed in every region. Known as nepetalactone, this compound can be found in catnip stems as well as leaves and has the capability of pulling cats towards it. Catnip can also be used against mosquitoes. Soil: Any good, fast-draining potting soil will likely do. Catnip is one of those plants you can plant directly from a seedling sprout, leaf cut, or seed directly on the soil. If you grow your own catnip, pluck the leaves and leave them to dry out. Why do cats go goofy for catnip? Harvesting catnip is quick and satisfying, especially for your cat. Catnip will attract bees to your garden. Moisture = soggy catnip. There are plenty of catnip products available, ranging from cat toys filled with catnip, live catnip plants, dried catnip, catnip oil and even catnip sprays. A catnip plant is the easiest, and most effective way, to offer catnip. Dried Catnip. What is catnip for other than to please cats? Catnip likes sandy and loamy soils, preferring well-drained soil. This plant thrives in soil with a pH range between 5 and 7.5. Whether you grow catnip intentionally in the garden or you find it growing wild, there are many uses for this common herb. Nepetalactone, the oil in catnip that gives the plant its minty scent, is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET.. Just take some of the leaves and rub them over exposed skin the next time you’re in the garden and mosquitoes are biting. For cats that sniff catnip and rub against the plants, they’ll get more of the stimulating effects,” Rotman said. What exactly is catnip? If you grow the herb and have been wondering what to do with catnip that is left over from making cat toys, you have a lot of options. To harvest take a pair of sharp scissors and cut as cleanly as possible. The herb is known to most felines as spellbinding, to which any catnip growing enthusiast will quickly attest. Many people choose to cultivate catnip. Catnip is a perennial herb from the mint family labiatae. Growing Hyssop and catnip together benefits both plants and the soft blue flowers of each makes a pretty border. Catnip’s potency does not last permanently; the essential oils rapidly dissipate. How to Grow Catnip Plants in 5 Steps. *Note: take your time and do not over-dry the catnip so you don't risk burning it. If you plant catnip directly in the garden, bear in mind that, like a lot of mints, it’s an energetic, sometimes invasive, grower. Growing Hyssop and catnip together benefits both plants and the soft blue flowers of each makes a pretty border. It’s a plant that is easy to grow in North America and has feather-like, light-green foliage with lavender flowers. Below, you’ll find several steps to follow. Dried catnip is made from drying the plant Nepeta cataria. It is the nepetalcataria variety that most cats enjoy. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Basically, catnip plants suppress weeds. Catnip Companion Planting. If she responds positively, she’ll roll around in it, do a couple flips, maybe even drool a bit. To keep the plant from baking on sunny winter days, shade part of the cloche with pine branches, burlap or shade cloth. Catnip is also a great repellent for Japanese beetles, which may attack a number of plants including beans. I still get confused looks. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! For use with cats, catnip can be provided as a fresh plant indoors in a container or outdoors in a bed. For use with cats, catnip can be provided as a fresh plant indoors in a container or outdoors in a bed. Keep in mind, however, that catnip can also be easily grown in containers too. Pruning: Cut catnip back to the ground in spring to improve its growth and appearance. While there have been no studies that prove that catnip can cause adverse effects on cats, many owners have reported the same effects after giving the plant to their pets. Put it in the microwave for 15 to 30-second intervals. A good side effect: the self sowing of the catnip is prevented. Normally you should give the cat only the portion of leaves cut for pruning. Catnip can tolerate dry soil. It is widely naturalized … On the other end of the spectrum, putting glass or plastic over the crown can cause heat stress in warm weather. Planting catnip in clumps makes a nice effect in the landscape. Catnip is not just for cats. If your cat ingests catnip on a regular basis, it may deter fleas and ticks. If your furry friend likes the plant, don’t compare with the crazy effects of cate due to catnip, because cats get a buzz from the plant, while it has sedative effects for dogs.. This gray-green foliage plant releases a chemical called nepetalactone, when rubbed, which works as a cat attractant.Catnip is also used to flavor salads, teas, and meat dishes. Watering: Water catnip just as the soil dries out. Catnip grows to a height of three or four feet and has featherlike, light green foliage and small clusters of lavender flowers that grow on spikes. The plant is also an excellent deterrent if you’re dealing with potato bugs, asparagus pests, or annoying squash insects. Catnip is a plant, specifically an herb, that’s a member of the mint family. Stressed plants are more vulnerable to cold snaps, wind and other harsh conditions. For braking the propagation urge. Common Catnip (Nepeta Cataria) is also known as catnip, catswort, or catmint. Pests that attack catnip include whitefly and spider mites, but it’s typically a pest- and disease-free plant. The plant possesses a … You’ll need to space your catnip plants 18-20” apart to give the plants enough room to grow to full size. However, this hardy plant did quite well. The Latin scientific name of catnip is Nepeta cataria, but it can also be called catmint or catswort in some parts of the world. The name says it all, or almost all. Native to Europe, Africa and Asia and brought to North America by settlers, catnip is a weed type of plant, similar to mint in many aspects and which contains a lot of acids, tannins, sterols and volatile oils. Watering. It is also grown for its attractant qualities to house cats and butterflies.. Catnip can also be used against mosquitoes. Finally, avoid fertilizing catnip in late fall or in winter. Catnip in the vegetable garden may even repel rabbits and deer. Although catnip can grow well under partial sun, it will become spindly, weak and ill if it doesn’t get the least amount of light it needs. This type of catnip grows in hardy zones 3 to 9 and is a native plant of Europe, but can grow almost anywhere in the world. Catnip is an easy-to-grow perennial grown primarily for its fragrant foliage that is extremely attractive to cats. “If the catnip is ingested, it causes fatigue and works as a sedative. Protection. With a better idea of what catnip needs to thrive, it’s time to put hands to work and make it so. The catnip plant is also used in herbal smoking blends to help someone quit nicotine. When we sell it at the farmer’s market I often remind people how to use catnip for themselves, and to be sure to have a cup of catnip tea while they share it with their pets. The carrier – add catnip to your cat’s carrier to encourage him to use it. Catnip Benefits For Hair. The term ‘catnip’ is thought to originate from the response cats show towards the plant. View on Amazon. Pull off a leaf or two and roughly crumple and rub a bit to release the natural chemicals before letting kitty sample some. Another reason for cutting catnip … When dried, the scent of this plant is more concentrated and causes cats to respond to it very enthusiastically. They don't do this while they are small and have a small root system. For example, tea made from the leaves and flowers of Nepeta cataria is said to relieve coug… Cat owners always seem to be looking for a new toy that will capture the attention of their feline roommate for an hour or two, which is why so many of them have been intrigued and amused by the use of catnip. For example, it is sufficient to place a plant in the pot from the balcony overnight in the bedroom or to distribute the catnip oil in diluted form on the body. But even if you live in a Mediterranean climate, the winter months can pose a hazard to catnip and other shrubby herbs. It also is referred to as cat mint (or catmint, or cat-mint). Catnip is an herb famous for its euphoric effect on cats. Growing Catnip Indoors is possible, and with the help of these catnip plant care tips, you can grow it year-round in your home.. Catnip is a mint family herb. The essential oils contained keep mosquitoes at a distance, as they feel repelled by the smell. How to Grow Catnip at Home : 8 Steps Your feline friends love catnip and you should be happy to making it available among the plants in your home, because it is rich in vitamins and, among the other properties, can induce vomiting, solving the thorny problem of hairballs that might clog the intestine of the cat, especially during the changeover summer period. You can use the dried … Catnip’s effects have a ticking clock—about five to 30 minutes, Rotman says. Plant catnip in a place where your cats can rub and roll in it without hurting adjacent plants. It is an essential oil found in the stems and the leaves of the Nepeta plant. In the wild, catnip seeds would be scattered by the wind, find somewhere to settle, and go through a winter before deciding to sprout in the spring. Feeding: Scratch ½ inch of compost into the top few inches of soil before planting catnip and side-dress plants with aged compost every spring. To do this, remove all of the newer, greener growth, excluding about 1 inch of this year's growth. Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is a common herb that is a member of the mint family. The term ‘catnip’ is thought to originate from the response cats show towards the plant. It’s known for attracting cats like a magician. Catnip is a common herb that you can cultivate in the garden but that also grows wild. A member of the mint family, catnip is also used in food and herbal remedies. Catnip plants are fairly easy to grow and use as a continuous source of mosquito-repelling oils. Catnip is a plant. Catnip is a perennial herb from the mint family Labiatae, which has a square, hairy stalk with typically green/grey coloured heart-shaped leaves that have scalloped edges. Catnip, Nepeta cataria, is an herb from the mint family that has long been known to be attractive to cats. Ellen Douglas has written on food, gardening, education and the arts since 1992. This … It is especially helpful for children who are not feeling well as a calming agent and to relieve digestive issues. Catnip, or cat mint, is known to botanists as Nepeta cataria. Catnip usually suffers the most damage from cats. The main point of interest in the catnip plant, especially when it comes to cat owners, is the chemical compound that it houses. Catnip is a 50-100 cm tall herb resembling mint in appearance, with greyish-green leaves; the flowers are white, finely spotted with purple. Place this powder in a … Plant catnip in containers and place near aphid-infested crops to encourage lacewings to settle in the garden. It belongs to the mint family and has a similar flavor but adds a slightly different taste. "Plumping" up plant tissues with water also provides extra protection from frost. Moisture = soggy catnip. Catnip is a low maintenance plant, but giving it a little bit of care will help your catnip plants to thrive. Fresh plants provide the most pleasure. You can spray your cat’s favorite toy or cat tree or cat scratcher. Knowing how to use catnip means you can put this plentiful herb to good use for both you and your feline friends. If used in a container, be sure it is large and heavy enough to not get tipped over by an overzealous cat. Dried catnip resembles oregano but is actually a member of the mint family. Dried catnip is the classic form of this feline-pleasing treat. Catnip is used by mouth, applied directly to the skin, or inhaled for many different conditions. Once this process is complete, you can crumble them up. Trim your catnip, leaving some leaves on the plant so it will continue to grow. How to Grow Catnip. Some indoor gardeners have a hard time providing catnip with the required supply of sunlight, but many others have figured out how to do so easily. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. The underside of the leaves of the plant have glands filled with a chemical substance called nepetalactone. Catnip may also have some medicinal properties for humans, although before using any herb as a supplement, it is important to speak to your doctor. Aim for about 9 inches of stem from the base of the plant, including a green tip. Source: Wikipedia Fresh plants provide the most pleasure. There are a lot of different plants and herbs that are related to what is catnip. Water: Catnip likes a steady supply of water, but good drainage is a must. To limit access, use dried catnip leaves to stuff toys with or roll toys in, and then keep sealed and out of the way when not in use. However, this hardy plant did quite well. This type of catnip grows in hardy zones 3 to 9 and is a native plant of Europe, but can grow … Locate catnip plants growing wild either on your property, or visit a garden store during the spring … Catnip, or nepeta cataria, is an herbaceous perennial. This is all dependent on the cat because only two-thirds of adult cats are affected by catnip, according to a study . Did you know that the catnip plant has also been used by humans as a tea, tincture, infusion, and poultice for centuries? nuzree / Pixabay. A heavy layer of mulch keeps the sun from warming the soil during the periods when the ground isn't frozen. You can use it as a natural repellent against mosquitoes, spiders, ticks, cockroaches and other critters in the home. The common catnip is … For example, it is sufficient to place a plant in the pot from the balcony overnight in the bedroom or to distribute the catnip oil in diluted form on the body. Catnip species: There are approximately 250 species of flowering plants in the family Labiatae, some of which include: What is catnip? *Note: take your time and do not over-dry the catnip so you don't risk burning it. Plant catnip in a place where your cats can rub and roll in it without hurting adjacent plants. At the same time you do your fall pruning, give your catnip plant a last drink of water. Even some wild cats react to catnip. To harvest take a pair of sharp scissors and cut as cleanly as possible. Previously, she served as a communication specialist in the nonprofit field. Both the Latin name and scientific names are derived from the inability of cats to resist the aroma of this plant. The antiseptic properties of Catnip make it a remedy for dandruff. The plant commonly planted in most garden settings is not your typical catnip that you would give to your cats to induce momentary craziness. Catnip is a curious plant. Grow your own as we discussed or purchase the leaves from a pet store. At the same time you do your fall pruning, give your catnip plant a last drink of water. Some cats like catnip so much that they lie on it, roll on it, and chew it to the point of destruction. Generally it is best to do this at mid-day or after the morning moisture has gone. How to Grow Catnip. Feeding plants -- especially with nitrogen-rich fertilizer -- encourages new stem growth, which makes the entire plant more vulnerable to winterkill. Catnip Is For People Too! Some cats like catnip so much that they lie on it, roll on it, and chew it to the point of destruction. Some of the top recommended catnip brands/products include: Furthermore, do you cut back catnip in the fall? Catnip & Insects. Catnip sprays are a good option for cats that get an upset stomach from ingesting the plant. Common Catnip (Nepeta Cataria) is also known as catnip, catswort, or catmint. Cut the plant either to just above the ground or the inflorescences to the first leaf. A glass or plastic cover -- often known as a cloche -- acts as a mini-greenhouse to keep harsh weather out. You … Choose the Source. Put it in the microwave for 15 to 30-second intervals. It looks like a leafy plant, but the central stem has an inflorescence. A tea made from dried catnip leaves and flowers has long been used for stomach upset, fever and other flu symptoms, insomnia, and stress. You can also feed catnip compost tea during the growing season. The plant is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. Catnip is a perennial plant, and a member of the mint family. If a cat were to encounter catnip in the wild, it would be in the form of leafy greens growing on plants, not concentrated. Trim the leaves off the stems of the plant then put the catnip inside a microwave-safe container with a cover. The woody, aromatic flowers make it a good addition to any garden. What does catnip do to dogs? This deep, extra watering allows it to go into dormancy without suffering stress from lack of water. When a cat chews or rubs on the leaves the nepetalactone oil is released. The plant is also an excellent deterrent if you’re dealing with potato bugs, asparagus pests, or annoying squash insects. Read on to find out how do cats react to catnip. This Eurasian native has become naturalized throughout most of the world, and is a hardy perennial in USDA Planting Zones 6 … Fertilizer: Feed … Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a relatively hardy herb, thriving in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 9. When a cat chews or rubs on the leaves the nepetalactone oil is released. This chemical is thought to mimic the effects of a cat pheromone and causes a variety of behaviors. So if you buy dried catnip for your feline good friend, store what you don’t utilize in the freezer. This herb is from the mint family and is very easy to manage. That is why the plant grows wild all over Europe and in North America. You can also sprinkle dried catnip on a cat tree, scratching post, or cardboard scratcher, or you can roll a toy in it. To limit access, use dried catnip leaves to stuff toys with or roll toys in, and then keep sealed and out of the way when not in use. Catnip is a wonderful, underrated herb. The Complete Book of Herbs: Lesley Bremness. It does not like shade and grows best open area, hedgerows, waste ground, near streams and border areas of fields. Pruning: Cut catnip back to the ground in spring to improve its growth and appearance. In the kitchen, catnip uses expand to include any recipes in which you would use mint. It can be used to stuff your pet cat's toys, as a treat for them, or even as a tasty home brewed tea for yourself! It and can do the same for humans. Harvesting catnip is quick and satisfying, especially for your cat. Commercial Growing. Prune after the first round of blooming to encourage a second flowering prior to winter. If used in a container, be sure it is large and heavy enough to not get tipped over by an overzealous cat. The catnip plants are drought resistant, which makes the plants low maintenance, and do best in well-drained soil. Catnip is used by mouth, applied directly to the skin, or inhaled for many different conditions. We know catnip … Catnip can be planted in your garden in spring or fall, from seed or plants. Aromatic with ethereal oils with usually four-sided stems are the often characteristics of these herbs.. This herbaceous plant from the mint family is safe for your dogs. Catnip companion planting works well with beets, pumpkins and squash. To make your cat more excited and do some movements, sprinkling a little catnip on a toy can help. Trim the leaves off the stems of the plant then put the catnip inside a microwave-safe container with a cover. The flowering tops are used to make medicine. Low Temperature for a Crown of Thorns Plant, Washington State University Extension: Catnip, Fine Gardening: Sheltering Plants for the Winter. Douglas has worked as a staff reporter for the Lakeville Journal newspaper group. Catnip is an herb with a potent active ingredient that can have a range of effects on cats, provided they are of the roughly 70% of felines who are sensitive to this plant. 1. As a crop it is considered to be fairly short-lived though, and most commercial growers will treat catnip as a 2 to 3 year crop.. Nepeta cataria is cultivated as an ornamental plant for use in gardens. Below we will discuss the technique of drying catnip. … Cutting back your catnip plant will not only neaten up its scraggly appearance during the dormant season, but remove most of the more cold-vulnerable new growth. Catnip is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia but also grows throughout North America and Africa. Flowers grow in spikes, reaching 1/2 inch in length. Catnip is a plant, specifically an herb, that’s a member of the mint family. Cutting back catnip will restore the plant. Sign up for our newsletter. A common myth is that all cats react to it. Growing New Catnip Plants From Their Seed Heads. Due to its resilient nature, catnip is able to grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 in any type of tolerant, well-drained soil. Catnip companion planting works well with beets, pumpkins and squash. A study found that intercropping the herb with collard greens reduced damage from flea beetles. Heaping mulch around plants too early in the winter or not removing the extra layers at the end of winter can do more harm than good. Catnip is a safe way to positively stimulate your cat. Watering: Water catnip just as the soil dries out. Protect it during the dormant months, so that cold snaps, harsh winds and frost heaves won't keep the herb from reemerging in the spring. The underside of the leaves of the plant have glands filled with a chemical substance called nepetalactone. It also has a sedative effect on humans, and is extracted as an essential oil and used in tea. The flowering tops are used to make medicine. The plant recovers quickly from wilting, so it's best to err on the side of dry rather than too wet, which will encourage root rot. Trim your catnip, leaving some leaves on the plant so it will continue to grow. It’s been used for ailments such as headaches, anxiety, and colic in babies. It is the nepetalcataria variety that most cats enjoy. Widely naturalized throughout temperate regions of the world, Nepeta cataria is one of several species that are referred to collectively as catmints. 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