Catnip
Nepeta cataria
Downy, grey-green, coarsely toothed leaves and spikes of small flowers.
Find its rhythm
Light
Sun for much of the day
Water
Check containers often. Keep roots supplied with moisture without leaving the pot standing in water. Start with a soil check every 3 days and adjust for your conditions.
Care through the seasons
Soil & drainage
Use a draining container mix. Outdoor beds need drainage as well.
Climate
Match planting time to your local season and the plant’s frost tolerance.
Seasonal care
Annual herbs may flower and finish their life cycle; consider succession planting.
Feeding
Feed modestly during growth according to the label and growing medium.
Pruning
Trim lightly to encourage branching where suitable; do not remove all healthy growth.
Propagation
Division
Hardiness
3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Watch for
Bolting · Dry container roots · Aphids
Care-group starting guidance; adapt to your cultivar and local climate.
Pet & child safety
Toxic to cats; not listed for dogs (ASPCA)
Treat it as unsafe for dogs until you know more.
Signs in cats and dogs (ASPCA): Many cats love catnip, but it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It makes some cats sedated and others stimulated.
Moderately toxic to children (California Poison Control)
Moderate toxicity: eating it is expected to cause nausea and vomiting, but it is not expected to be life-threatening.
Keep plants out of reach of children and pets. Never eat a plant based on an app.
If any is eaten: Call your local poison control centre or vet. In the US: Poison Control 1-800-222-1222; ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply).
Sources checked 10 Nov 2026. Lists change, so check the source before relying on it.