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Catnip: How to Grow the Nepeta Cats Go Crazy For
Herbs

Catnip: How to Grow the Nepeta Cats Go Crazy For

Nepeta cataria

Growing catnip: perennial herb whose scent attracts cats. Full sun, well-drained soil, hardy and bee-friendly, great in herb gardens and borders.

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Characteristics

Scientific nameNepeta cataria
Height50-100 cm
Sunlightpieno sole
Watermedia
Soildrenante medio
Toxicitynon tossica
Growthveloce
Temperature-20 a 30 °C
FloweringJun, Jul, Aug, Sep
IrrigationWater moderately, letting the soil dry between waterings; established plants tolerate drought well.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb with grey-green leaves and small white-lilac flowers, famous for the euphoric effect its scent (nepetalactone) has on cats. It grows fast in full sun on well-drained soil, hardy and rich in nectar. Great in herb gardens, borders and wildlife gardens.

Flowering season

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Practical tips

Watering

Water needs: media — always check soil moisture before watering.

Position

Prefers pieno sole: provide the right light and rotate the plant for even growth.

Substrate

Recommended soil: drenante medio. Refresh the substrate every 1-2 years.

Leaves

Dust the leaves with a damp cloth to support photosynthesis.

Feeding

Feed during the growing season (spring-summer) and stop in winter.

FAQ

Why does catnip attract cats?
It contains nepetalactone, a volatile compound that stimulates feline scent receptors, triggering a playful, euphoric reaction. The effect is harmless and lasts only a few minutes.
Is catnip invasive?
It can self-seed and spread easily. To keep it in check, remove faded flowers before they set seed and grow it in a pot or contained bed.

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