How to Prune Catnip

Nepeta cataria

Reviewed by Kiersten Rankel M.S.

Quick Answer

Prune catnip after each flowering flush by cutting stems back by one-half to two-thirds. This prevents self-seeding, which can be aggressive, and encourages fresh aromatic growth. Cut back the entire plant to about 10 cm above the ground in late fall to tidy it for winter.

When is the best time to prune?

Catnip is hardy in zones 3 through 9 and blooms in flushes from late spring through fall, so pruning windows vary by region.

Pacific

May–Sep

Mountain

Jun–Aug

Midwest

May–Sep

Northeast

Jun–Sep

Southeast

Apr–Oct

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Why Should I Prune My Catnip?

Catnip blooms in multiple flushes from late spring through early fall. Without pruning, each flush sets seed prolifically and the plant can spread aggressively through your garden. Cutting back after each bloom prevents this and stimulates a fresh round of fragrant growth.

After the first flush of small white-purple flowers finishes, cut the whole plant back by about half. Within a week or two, fresh shoots will emerge from the lower leaves and nodes, and a second flowering flush will follow. You can often get three or four flushes per season with consistent pruning.

In late fall, once the plant has finished its last bloom and nights are cooling, cut it back hard to about 10 cm above the ground. This is not strictly necessary for the plant's survival, but it keeps things tidy and reduces any pest or disease pressure overwinter.

If you want to harvest catnip for drying, the best time is just before or at first bloom when the aromatic oils are at their peak.

Know Before You Cut

Difficulty Easy

Max removal 1/2 to 2/3 of stem length per flush

Growth pattern Clumping perennial herb

Tools Clean sharp scissors or pruners

What Should I Remove?

Cut stems back by half after each flowering flush

Cut all stems back to 10 cm in late fall

Harvest stems for drying just before peak bloom

Remove flower heads before seeds form to control spreading

Don't let seeds set, catnip spreads aggressively

Don't prune in late fall if hard frost is more than 2 weeks away

Don't cut back to bare soil in spring before new growth appears

How Do I Prune Step by Step?

Watch for the first flowering flush

Catnip sends up stems topped with small white-purple flower spikes in late spring. Once most flowers on a stem have opened and begun to fade, that stem is ready for cutting.

Cut stems back by half after bloom

Use clean scissors or pruners to cut each flowered stem back by about half its length, cutting just above a set of leaves. This is not a precise operation; a general shearing works well for clumping catnip.

Repeat after each subsequent flush

New growth will emerge within one to two weeks and a second flush of flowers will follow. Repeat the same cutback after each flush throughout the season. This can continue through September or October depending on your climate.

Do a hard cutback in late fall

After the last frost date in your area approaches, cut the entire plant down to about 10 cm above the ground. This tidies the garden for winter and helps reduce overwintering pests.

Got More Questions?

Will my catnip come back after I cut it to the ground?

Yes. Catnip is a hardy perennial that regrows readily from its root system. Cutting it down in fall or even early spring does not harm it; new growth will emerge from the base when conditions warm up.

What if my catnip has already gone to seed before I could prune it?

Cut it back as soon as you notice it. Even after seeds have dropped, reducing future self-seeding is worthwhile. Pull any seedlings that appear around the parent plant if you want to limit spread.

Is there a best time of day to harvest catnip for drying?

Harvest in the morning after any dew has dried but before the heat of midday. Aromatic oil content is highest at this time. Cut stems just before the first flowers fully open for the most potent dried herb.

My catnip is getting very large and woody at the base. Should I divide it?

Yes. Catnip clumps can become woody and less productive after three or four years. Divide the clump in spring or early fall by digging it up and splitting the root ball into sections. Replant the healthy outer pieces and discard the woody center.

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About This Article

Kiersten Rankel M.S.

Botanical Data Lead at Greg · Plant Scientist

About the Author

Kiersten Rankel holds an M.S. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University. A certified Louisiana Master Naturalist, she has over a decade of experience in science communication, with research spanning corals, cypress trees, marsh grasses, and more. At Greg, she curates species data and verifies care recommendations against botanical research.

See Kiersten Rankel's full background on LinkedIn.

Editorial Process

Pruning guidance verified against Nepeta cataria growth data from Greg's botanical database, cross-referenced with USDA hardiness zone data and published horticultural research.

2,273+ Greg users growing this plant

USDA hardiness zones 3a–9b

Citations:
NC State Extension
Missouri Botanical Garden
Royal Horticultural Society

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