Catnip Harvesting
Answered by: Inge Poot
Question from: C Hagen
Posted on: November 9, 1998

I would like to know how to best harvest catnip? Where do I cut it and what is the best way to dry it. The plants are outside in the herb garden.

When the plants are about 30 centimeters tall, cut them down to about 10 centimeters. The plants will branch after this cutting and when they reach 30 centimeters again cut them down to about 15 centimeters. Strip the leaves from the harvested plant tops, spread the leaves onto screens and dry in the shade as quickly as possible and at not too hot a temperature. The oils are very volatile and too hot a temperature makes them dissipate. Store in a dark cool place in airtight jars.

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