A catnip plant is a type of mint plant similar to catmint that is known for its strong scent and its effect on cats. It has soft, fuzzy green leaves and small, white flowers. The leaves and stems of the plant can be dried and used to make catnip toys, or they can be steeped to make tea. The plant also contains an oil called nepetalactone which has a sedative effect on cats and can stimulate them to play. It’s a popular plant grown among cat owners or people who just enjoy the catnip plant for other reasons. But when is it time to harvest catnip and how much can you harvest at a time?
Why prune catnip?
Cutting back catnip is important for two reasons. First, it encourages new growth, which helps keep the plant healthy and vibrant. Second, it helps prevent the plant from becoming too large and unruly. Pruning the plant also helps it to produce more of the flavorful oils that make catnip so attractive to cats. Catnip plants typically reach a height of up to three feet, with a spread of about one foot. Pruning back your catnip can help prevent it from getting too large and crowding out other plants.
When to harvest catnip
Catnip is generally ready to harvest in late summer or early fall when the leaves and flowers are in full bloom and the stems are dry and brown, but small sections of the plant can be harvested throughout the growing season. In the fall, cut the entire plant down to the ground, leaving a few inches of stem. Hang the plants upside down in a well-ventilated area until the leaves and flowers are completely dry. Once dry, strip the leaves and flowers from the stems and store them in an airtight container. The amount of catnip you can harvest from a single plant varies depending on the size of the plant and how long it has been growing. You can expect to get anywhere from a few tablespoons to several cups of dried catnip.
How to harvest catnip
Harvesting catnip can be a difficult process depending on the size of the garden and the variety of catnip being grown. The most difficult part of harvesting catnip is timing when to harvest the plants. Catnip is best harvested when the flowers have just started to bloom, but before they have fully opened. If the flowers are allowed to open and dry out, the essential oils in the plant will be lost and the potency of the catnip will be reduced.
Additionally, harvesting catnip requires careful handling; it is important to avoid bruising the leaves and stems of the plant as this can also reduce the potency of the catnip.
- Cut the catnip plant – Cut the catnip plant down to the ground with a pair of clean, sharp scissors. Leave a few inches of stem on the plant.
- Hang the Plant – Hang the plant upside down in a well-ventilated area, such as a garage or shed. Leave it to dry for 1-2 weeks.
- Strip the Leaves and Flowers – Once the plant is dry, strip the leaves and flowers from the stems and store them in an airtight container.
- Store the Leaves and Flowers – Store the leaves and flowers in a cool, dark place. Discard any leaves or flowers that are brown or discolored.