How To Harvest Catnip

If you have a cat, you probably know how much they enjoy catnip. Learning how to harvest catnip is a simple way to provide your pet with a safe, homegrown treat. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from growing to drying and storing, so you can make your feline friend very happy.

Catnip is a hardy perennial herb that’s surprisingly easy to grow. It belongs to the mint family and thrives with just a bit of care. The active ingredient, nepetalactone, is what causes the famous euphoric reaction in many cats.

Harvesting at the right time is key to preserving the plant’s potency. The goal is to capture the oils at their peak. Here’s what you need to look for.

When to Pick Your Catnip

The timing of your harvest makes a big difference. You want the leaves and flowers to be full of aromatic oils.

Right Before Bloom: The best time to harvest is just as the flower buds begin to form and open. This is when the nepetalactone concentration is highest.
Time of Day: Always harvest in the late morning, after the dew has dried but before the afternoon sun gets too hot. This ensures the plant is dry and the oils haven’t evaporated.
First Year Plants: For new plants, resist harvesting in their first season. Let them establish strong roots. You can start harvesting lightly in the second year.
Multiple Harvests: Established plants can often be harvested two or three times in a single growing season.

Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need much equipment. Gather these simple tools before you start:

Sharp garden shears or scissors (clean them first)
A basket or paper bag for collecting
Gardening gloves (optional, but keeps your hands clean)
Twine or rubber bands for bundling

The Harvesting Process Step-by-Step

Follow these steps for a successful harvest that keeps your plant healthy.

Check the Plant: Look for healthy stems with vibrant green leaves and forming buds. Avoid any stems with signs of mildew or insect damage.
Cut the Stems: Use your shears to cut the stems, leaving about one-third of the plant intact. Make your cuts just above a set of leaves. This encourages the plant to bush out and produce more growth.
Collect Gently: Place the cut stems directly into your basket or bag. Try not to crush or bruise the leaves too much, as this can release the oils prematurely.
Leave Enough Behind: Never cut the plant down to the ground. Always leave plenty of foliage so it can continue to photosynthesize and recover.

Drying Catnip for Maximum Potency

Proper drying is crucial. If dried incorrectly, the catnip can mold or lose its strength. The key is a dark, dry, and airy space.

Air Drying Method (Recommended)

This is the simplest and most effective method.

Bundle Stems: Gather a few stems together and tie them loosely at the base with twine.
Hang Upside Down: Hang the bundles upside down in a warm, dark, well-ventilated place. An attic, a dark closet, or a pantry shelf works perfectly.
Check for Dryness: The catnip is fully dry when the leaves crumble easily off the stem. This usually takes 1 to 3 weeks, depending on humidity.
Avoid Sunlight: Never dry catnip in direct sunlight. UV rays will break down the essential oils and make the catnip less effective.

Using a Dehydrator

If you live in a humid climate, a dehydrator is a great option.

Spread the leaves and flowers in a single layer on the dehydrator trays.
Use the lowest heat setting (around 95°F / 35°C).
Dry for 8 to 12 hours, checking periodically until brittle.

Storing Your Homegrown Catnip

Once dry, you need to store it correctly to keep it fresh for your cat. Improper storage is the main reason catnip loses it’s power.

Crumble the Leaves: Gently strip the dried leaves and flower buds from the stems. You can crumble them by hand or place them in a paper bag and gently crush them.
Choose Airtight Containers: Store the crumbled catnip in an airtight container. Glass jars with tight-sealing lids, like mason jars, are ideal.
Keep it Dark and Cool: Store the container in a cupboard or pantry away from light, heat, and moisture.
Label and Date: Always label your jar with the date of harvest. Properly stored catnip can retain its potency for up to a year.

How to Give Catnip to Your Cat

Now for the fun part—sharing your harvest! There are several safe ways to offer catnip to your feline friend.

As a Fresh Treat: You can offer a few fresh leaves directly from the garden. Some cats prefer this.
In a Toy: Stuff a small amount of dried catnip into a fabric toy or a sock tied off at the end.
On a Scratching Post: Sprinkle a little bit on your cat’s scratching post to encourage use.
Simple Sprinkle: Just sprinkle a pinch of dried catnip on the floor or on a cat bed.

Remember, not all cats react to catnip. The sensitivity is hereditary, affecting about 50-70% of cats. Kittens under six months old usually don’t respond either. A typical “session” lasts about 10-15 minutes, and cats often need an hour or more before they become susceptible again.

Keeping Your Catnip Plant Healthy

To ensure years of harvests, take good care of your plant. Catnip is low-maintenance but apreciates a little attention.

Sunlight: Plant it in a spot that gets full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Well-draining soil is essential. It doesn’t like wet feet.
Watering: Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. It’s quite drought-tolerant once established.
Containment: Like most mints, catnip can spread. Consider growing it in a pot to control its growth in your garden.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I harvest catnip after it flowers?

Yes, you can, but the potency might be slightly lower. For the strongest catnip, try to harvest just as the flowers begin to open.

How do I harvest catnip so it keeps growing?

By never cutting more than one-third of the plant at a time and always cutting just above a leaf node, you signal the plant to grow back fuller.

Is it better to dry or freeze fresh catnip?

Drying is the preferred method. Freezing can cause the leaves to become mushy when thawed and may not preserve the volatile oils as well as careful drying does.

Why isn’t my cat interested in my homegrown catnip?

As mentioned, some cats are genetically immune to its effects. Also, if the catnip was dried in sunlight or stored poorly, it may have lost its potency. Try a fresh leaf to test.

Can I use the catnip stems?

The stems contain very little of the active oil. It’s best to compost them after you’ve removed the leaves and flowers for use.

Growing and harvesting your own catnip is a rewarding project. It provides a chemical-free, engaging treat for your cat and connects you to the process from seed to stash. With these simple steps, you’ll have a steady supply of this magical herb that your feline friend will love. Just remember to store it well, and you’ll both enjoy the benefits for months to come.