How to Grow Catnip in Containers: Complete Urban Garden Guide

Catnip vs Catmint Varieties

True Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

The one cats love most! Gray-green leaves, white to pale purple flowers. Less ornamental but maximum nepetalactone for cat enjoyment. Grows 2-3 feet tall. Best for: cat owners, herbal tea, maximum effect.

Walker's Low Catmint

Stunning purple-blue flower spikes on neat, mounding plants. Long bloom period. Less cat effect but gorgeous. Best for: ornamental gardens, pollinators.

Six Hills Giant Catmint

Large catmint to 3 feet with lavender-blue flowers. Drought and deer resistant. Moderate cat attraction. Best for: large containers, landscape effect.

Cat's Meow Catmint

Compact, tidy mounding habit. Blue flowers spring through fall. Heat tolerant. Best for: small containers, low maintenance.

Common Problems and Solutions

Cat Destruction

The most common problem! Use cages, hanging baskets, or accept some loss. Grow extra plants. Cats prefer young, tender growth. Established plants recover well from damage.

Leggy, Floppy Growth

Not enough sun. Move to sunnier location. Pinch tips to encourage bushier growth. Cut back by half if severely leggy.

Self-Seeding Everywhere

Cut flowers before they set seed, or grow in containers to contain spread. Deadheading also encourages repeat bloom.

Root Rot

Overwatering in poorly drained soil. Catnip prefers drier conditions. Improve drainage, water less frequently.

Weak Cat Response

Might not be true catnip - check variety. Plants grown in full sun are more potent. Harvest at flower bud stage for maximum effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between catnip and catmint?

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is the species cats go crazy for, with more potent nepetalactone. Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii and others) is more ornamental with showier flowers but less effect on cats. Both attract pollinators. For cats, grow true catnip; for gardens, catmint is often more attractive.

How do I protect catnip from my cats?

Use cages or hardware cloth covers over containers. Grow in hanging baskets out of reach. Place among taller plants for camouflage. Grow extra plants - accept some will be destroyed. Once established, catnip regrows vigorously after cat damage.

Will catnip attract neighborhood cats?

Possibly! Cats can smell catnip from a distance. The effect is genetic - about 30% of cats don't respond. Position containers where visiting cats won't be problematic. Indoor cats can't destroy your plants if they're outside!

How do I harvest and dry catnip?

Harvest when flowers begin to open (highest nepetalactone content). Cut stems in morning after dew dries. Hang small bundles upside down in dry, dark, ventilated area for 1-2 weeks. Store dried leaves in airtight containers. Crumble for cat toys.

Can humans use catnip?

Yes! Catnip tea is a mild sedative used traditionally for relaxation, sleep aid, and digestive comfort. Use 1-2 teaspoons dried leaves per cup of hot water. It's very safe but tastes quite minty and earthy. Not as potent as its effect on cats!

Why isn't my catnip affecting my cat?

About 30% of cats lack the gene to respond to catnip. Kittens under 3-6 months and elderly cats often don't respond. Response is inherited. Try silver vine (Actinidia polygama) or valerian root as alternatives - different cats respond to different plants.

Is catnip easy to grow?

Very easy! It's a hardy perennial in zones 3-9. Drought-tolerant once established. Self-sows readily (sometimes too readily). Can become aggressive in garden beds - containers help control spread. Grows quickly from seed.

Does catnip attract pollinators?

Yes! The small white to lavender flowers are excellent for bees and butterflies. Catnip blooms for an extended period in summer. It's a valuable pollinator plant beyond its cat-pleasing properties.

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How to Grow Catnip in Containers