Catnip vs Ornamental Kale Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Catnip
Nepeta cataria
Catnip is a herbaceous perennial plant known for its intoxicating effect on cats. It typically grows to a height of 50-100 cm, featuring grayish-green, heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges. The plant produces spikes of small, white or pale lavender flowers dotted with purple spots. While primarily grown outdoors, it can be cultivated indoors with sufficient light. People grow it for its appeal to cats, its use in herbal teas, and its purported medicinal properties.
Ornamental Kale
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
Ornamental kale is a cool-season biennial grown as an annual for its colorful foliage. It is not grown for consumption, though technically edible. The plant forms a rosette of broad, ruffled or frilled leaves in shades of green, purple, pink, red, and white. The vibrant colors intensify in cooler temperatures. It is primarily an outdoor plant, thriving in full sun and cool weather. People grow it for its decorative appeal in gardens, containers, and borders, providing color and texture in the fall and winter months.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Catnip | Ornamental Kale |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. | Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for best color development. |
| Watering | Every 7-10 days, depending on environmental conditions and pot size. | Every 2-3 days outdoors, less frequently indoors if attempted. |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C | 7-18°C |
| Care Level | Moderate | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Max Height | 30-60 cm indoors | 15-30 cm |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Mildly Toxic |
| Soil | Well-draining soil, such as a mix of potting soil, perlite, and sand. | Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. A mix of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite is suitable. |
| Beginner Friendly | With Caution | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 10 minutes weekly | 10 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Catnip
| Scientific Name | Nepeta cataria |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Native To | Native to Europe and Asia |
| Also Known As | Catmint, Catswort |
| Leaves | The leaves are grayish-green, heart-shaped to ovate, and have serrated edges. They are typically 3-7 cm long and covered in fine hairs, giving them a slightly fuzzy texture. |
| Flowers | Catnip produces small, white or pale lavender flowers dotted with purple spots. The flowers are arranged in spikes at the ends of the stems. It may flower indoors if given enough light, but flowering is more prolific outdoors. |
Ornamental Kale
| Scientific Name | Brassica oleracea var. acephala |
|---|---|
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Native To | Mediterranean region |
| Also Known As | Ornamental Kale, Flowering Kale, Ornamental Cabbage |
| Leaves | The leaves are broad, ruffled, or frilled, with colors ranging from green to purple, pink, red, and white. The leaf texture is often waxy or slightly glossy. |
| Flowers | Ornamental kale will eventually flower, especially in warmer temperatures or after a period of cold. The flowers are small, yellow, and typical of the Brassica family. Flowering (bolting) signals the end of its ornamental value. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Catnip
Ornamental Kale
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Catnip
Methods: Seed, Stem cuttings, Division
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: For stem cuttings, take 4-6 inch cuttings from new growth, remove the lower leaves, and place in water or directly into moist soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until roots develop. Division is best done in spring or fall, separating the plant at the root ball.
Ornamental Kale
Methods: Seed
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Catnip
Catnip is known for its unique effect on cats, causing them to exhibit playful and excited behaviors. The active compound, nepetalactone, is responsible for this effect. It also has a distinct minty aroma.
- ✓ Provides enrichment for cats
- ✓ Can be used to make herbal tea
- ✓ Attractive foliage and flowers
- ✓ Relatively easy to grow
- ✓ Attracts pollinators to the garden
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Ornamental Kale
Ornamental kale is unique for its vibrant colors and ruffled leaves, providing a striking contrast to other fall and winter plants. Its colors intensify as temperatures drop, making it a popular choice for cool-season gardens.
- ✓ Adds vibrant color to cool-season gardens
- ✓ Provides visual interest during the dormant season
- ✓ Attracts beneficial insects
- ✓ Easy to grow outdoors in suitable climates
- ✓ Can be used in cut flower arrangements
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Catnip
Ornamental Kale
🌞 Light Requirements
Catnip
Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Ornamental Kale
Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for best color development.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Catnip
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves, while overwatering can cause yellowing leaves and a musty smell.
Ornamental Kale
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger about an inch deep. If it feels dry, water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Overwatering can lead to root rot, indicated by yellowing and wilting leaves. Underwatering will cause the leaves to droop and become crispy.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Catnip
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 40-60%
Ornamental Kale
Temperature: 7-18°C
Humidity: 40-60%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Catnip
Nepeta catariaCat owners looking to provide their feline friends with a stimulating and enjoyable plant, while being aware of the risks to other pets.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want to provide a natural stimulant for your cat
- You enjoy growing herbs for teas and other uses
- You have a sunny location suitable for growing herbs
- You are looking for a low-maintenance plant
- You appreciate the plant's aromatic foliage.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have dogs or horses that might ingest it
- You don't have a sunny location
- You are sensitive to strong scents.
Ornamental Kale
Brassica oleracea var. acephalaGardeners looking for colorful foliage in cool-season gardens and containers.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want vibrant fall and winter color in your garden.
- You need a cool-season plant for containers.
- You want to attract beneficial insects to your garden.
- You enjoy experimenting with different textures and colors in your landscape.
- You have a sunny location with well-draining soil.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You live in a warm climate where it will quickly bolt.
- You don't have a sunny outdoor space.
- You have pets that might ingest it and experience gastrointestinal upset.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Catnip is rated Moderate care level, while Ornamental Kale is Expert.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Catnip Care Tips
Catnip is relatively easy to grow, but requires ample sunlight, especially when grown indoors. Overwatering should be avoided. It can become leggy if not pruned regularly. While it is known for its appeal to cats, it is toxic to dogs and horses.
- Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, but avoid overwatering.
- Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
- Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Protect from extreme temperatures and frost.
Ornamental Kale Care Tips
Ornamental kale is primarily an outdoor plant that thrives in cool weather and full sun. Growing it indoors is challenging as it requires very bright light and cool temperatures to maintain its color and form. It is susceptible to pests and diseases, and its lifespan is relatively short.
- Plant in well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Provide full sun for best color development.
- Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Protect from frost in colder climates.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Catnip
Ornamental Kale
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Catnip
What are the light requirements for Catnip?
Catnip requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. Insufficient light can result in leggy growth and reduced flowering. A south-facing window is ideal for indoor Catnip, providing ample sunlight throughout the day. If natural light is limited, supplement with grow lights, positioning them about 6-12 inches above the plant. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. Monitor the leaves for signs of sunburn, such as scorched spots, if the light is too intense. Adjust placement or provide shade as needed. Adequate light is crucial for photosynthesis and overall plant health.
How do I care for Catnip?
Catnip thrives in well-draining soil and requires at least six hours of sunlight daily. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to encourage healthy growth and blooming. Prune regularly to maintain a compact shape and promote bushier growth. Catnip is relatively low-maintenance but benefits from occasional deadheading to encourage further flowering. Protect from extreme cold during winter months, especially in colder climates. Indoor plants need good air circulation. Monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites, and treat promptly. Choose a pot with drainage holes.
How do I propagate Catnip?
Catnip can be easily propagated through stem cuttings, division, or seeds. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or directly into moist soil. Roots should develop within a few weeks. For division, carefully dig up the plant and separate the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each section has healthy roots and foliage. Replant the divisions in separate pots. Seeds can be sown directly into the garden or started indoors. Keep the soil moist until germination occurs. Propagation is best done in spring or early summer.
Ornamental Kale
What are the light requirements for Ornamental Kale?
Ornamental Kale needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to develop its best color. Insufficient light can result in leggy growth and dull foliage. When planting, choose a location that receives full sun, especially during the cooler months. In warmer climates, providing some afternoon shade can prevent the leaves from scorching. For container-grown Ornamental Kale, rotate the pot regularly to ensure even light exposure. If growing indoors, supplement with grow lights to provide adequate illumination. East-facing windows are generally suitable, but south-facing windows may require shading during the hottest part of the day.
How do I care for Ornamental Kale?
Ornamental Kale thrives in cool weather and prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant it in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote vibrant colors. Deadhead any yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain its appearance. Protect from pests such as aphids and cabbage worms. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Monitor for signs of disease or pest infestation and treat promptly. Provide support if the plant becomes top-heavy. Adjust watering and fertilization based on weather conditions.
How do I propagate Ornamental Kale?
Ornamental Kale is typically grown from seed, but it can also be propagated through stem cuttings, although this is less common. To propagate from stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem, removing the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and provide indirect light until roots develop.
Last updated: May 12, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.