There Are Many Reasons To Cut The Catnip

Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 09:02 pm

Catnip can become rampant if not kept in check. For many, this is the main reason to regularly prune this perennial. But there are many other reasons why pruning can be useful.

Katzenminze schneiden

To maintain health
Pruning, for example, when disease is present lets catmint know, ‘You’ve got to push through!’ If it is affected by powdery mildew, it helps to remove the inflorescences in the summer. This allows the catnip to put its attention and energy into fighting the fungus.

There Are Many Reasons To Cut The Catnip

To extend the flowering period
If you want to enjoy your catmint’s blooms until fall, prune the perennial after the main bloom.

Cut the plant either to just above the ground or the flower spikes to the first leaf. New flowers will then appear and the bloom will continue until fall. A good side effect: self-seeding of catnip is prevented.

To brake the spreading urge.
Another reason for pruning catmint is to slow down its tendency to spread. To do this, prune down to the ground on a frost-free day in the spring between February and March. It is best to use sharp secateurs for this procedure.

Do not be too hasty and make the mistake of cutting catnip in the fall. Only the withered inflorescences you can cut back in the fall. The remaining stalks serve as protection against moisture, for example, from snow in winter.

To use as a medicinal and seasoning plant.
It should not be forgotten that some people use catnip as a medicinal and aromatic plant. For example, individual flowers can be cut off in the summer and used to add color to dishes such as sweet desserts and fruit salads. Likewise, the stems with the leaves can be cut, dried and used further among others:

  • for smoking
  • for tea
  • For propagation
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On top of that, you cut the catnip to propagate it. Propagation by cuttings is considered the most proven and common method. The cuttings are ideally taken from the plant between April and June. After that, the lowest leaves are removed and the cuttings are placed in a glass with water, wherein they can root.

Tips & Tricks
Also, if you are bothered by cats, because they like to be near the catnip, it helps to cut the catnip radically. Then you will have enough time to think of an obstacle for the cats.

Author

  • James Jones

    Meet James Jones, a passionate gardening writer whose words bloom with the wisdom of an experienced horticulturist. With a deep-rooted love for all things green, James has dedicated his life to sharing the art and science of gardening with the world. James's words have found their way into countless publications, and his gardening insights have inspired a new generation of green thumbs. His commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship shines through in every article he crafts.

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