Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570
— Plant Nursery · Texas-Grown
$4.00
Mature Plant Size: 18-24″x18-24″
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a hardy, aromatic member of the mint family beloved by cats for the euphoric response its nepetalactone oil triggers, and by gardeners for its soft gray-green foliage and pale lavender summer flower spikes. It self-sows readily and holds up well to Austin’s heat once established.
At Flying Rabbit Farm, our Catnip transplants are grown for high oil content and vigorous, bushy growth.
14 in stock
Low to moderate water needs once established
Drought tolerant; avoid overwatering
Little to no fertilizer needed
Cut back by half after flowering to encourage fresh growth and prevent excessive self-seeding
Harvest leaves and stems as needed
Generally pest-free
Can self-sow aggressively; deadhead to control spread
Cats may flatten or chew plants; a wire cage protects young transplants
Extremely heat and drought tolerant once established; one of the easier perennial herbs for Austin beds
Self-sows readily in Central Texas gardens; watch for volunteer seedlings
Vigorous new growth; good transplanting window
Blooms and continues growing through heat; tolerates neglect well
Good secondary planting window; foliage persists until hard freeze
Dies back to the ground in freezes; root-hardy and returns reliably in spring
Spring through fall
Ideal soil temperatures: 60-80 F
Full sun to part shade
Minimum 6 hours daily
18-24 inches apart
Spreads readily; give it room
Well-draining soil
Not particular about fertility
pH 6.0-7.5
Water deeply at transplanting
Keep lightly moist until established
Catnip is generally considered non-toxic to:
In fact, catnip is prized specifically for its safe, stimulating effect on cats. Large quantities may cause mild digestive upset in dogs.