my catnip is about 1' tall or higher on all three of them and they have flowered. do i have to wait longer in order to cut them in order to let them dry out? on research it says to cut from the stem at 2'' from the ground. can i do that or just pluck the leaves? will that hurt it?
and lastly do i need to go ahead and harvest them now before the chill of winter comes in? my friend says that they will grow back next year but told me not to cut/harvest any, what is the point in that if they wilt and die for winter? i under stand that they will grow back but why should i just let this harvest go to waste like that?
i thank everyone for thier helpful hints/advice that is given to me.
2006-09-25 10:06:38 · 4 answers · asked by Jen L-Baby #1 due Nov 15, 2010 ! 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
no i dont mean a code for pot!
i mean the actual plant "catnip"
and thank you all for the replies
2006-09-25 10:39:33 · update #1
also my catnip has flowered and some look like the seeds have already fallen off, because the pods where the flowers were are bare now
2006-09-25 10:40:39 · update #2
Catnip is a mentha (mint) relative and extremely hardy. You can cut it down to within a couple of inches of the soil surface and it won't hurt it at all. You really should cut it before it flowers to get the most potent essential oils, but it will cut and dry now just fine. If it has already gone to seed, it will be all over the place next year, as it spreads from rootstock and by seeding. The more often you harvest it next year, the better it will be. At this point, cut the tall branches in the morning after the dew has dried off, bundle them loosely and hang them upside down in a warm, dry, dark place. Use a fan for air circulation, if you need to. Loose bundling is important, as is air circulation, to avoid mold growth. Your cats will thank you. Catnip is also wonderful in teas for you. It has a lovely, relaxing effect.
2006-09-26 05:18:14 · answer #1 · answered by bellgoebel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My Goodness - Of course pick it now and dry it.
My plant just passed away and my kitties really their fresh "fix" but I will grow it again.
I like to pick or cut stems and tie them together and hang upside down - in a paper bag, till dry. Then I crumble it and take out the heavy stems before using it to make kitty toys.
BTW The old plant does not always survive the winter. So do not be surprised if it dose not come back, but if your plant went to seed, you should have some new seedlngs in the spring.
2006-09-25 17:14:00 · answer #2 · answered by Barbados Chick 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You can trim off the top leaves but leave the bottom few on. Try covering with a little straw over the winter.
2006-09-25 17:08:23 · answer #3 · answered by Bette S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
are you serisouly talking about catnip or is that code for pot?
2006-09-25 17:09:34 · answer #4 · answered by sa-da-tay 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋