D. Gordon E. Robertson / CC BY-SA 3.0
garden
Catnip
Nepeta camphorata
Overview
Famous for its euphoric effect on cats, catnip is actually a gentle, soothing herb for humans with a long history as a calming tea. The compound nepetalactone that drives cats wild is also a potent natural insect repellent — research has shown it to be ten times more effective than DEET against mosquitoes. This easy-growing mint-family herb self-seeds freely and attracts beneficial pollinators.
Growing Conditions
Hardiness Zones3 — 9
Height0.27m
Spread0.75m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH6 — 7.5
Soil TypeAverage, well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | May — Jun | Direct sow after last frost; perennial to zone 3 |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jun — Aug | Harvest stems when flowers begin to open; dry for cat toys |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Apr — May | Direct sow in spring; spreads by seed and root |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | May — Sep | Cut stems at flowering; hang dry in bundles |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Transplant in spring; can become invasive — contain or deadhead |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Apr — Oct | Harvest at flowering; second cut often possible |
| Moderate (5-7) | Divide | Mar — Apr | Divide clumps every 3 years in early spring |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Plant in early spring |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Mar — Nov | Harvest multiple times per season |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Nov — Dec | Plant in fall; part shade in hot zones |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Jan — Dec | Harvest as needed year-round |
Uses
Culinary
- Mild tea with a minty, slightly lemony flavor
- Young leaves added sparingly to salads
Medicinal
- Gentle sedative tea for insomnia and anxiety
- Traditional remedy for colic and digestive upset in children
- Febrifuge used historically to reduce fevers
Other Uses
- Natural mosquito and insect repellent (nepetalactone)
- Enrichment for domestic cats
- Attracts beneficial lacewings and parasitic wasps
