Catnip

What Catnip is

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). Catnip, also called cat herb, contains the active substance nepetalactone, which is especially attractive and stimulating to cats (although about 30% of cats do not react to this active substance).

Another interesting effect is that nepetalactone is an effective repellent for mosquitoes and flies. Catnip has a pleasant smell, and the leaves can also be used as a seasoning for meat dishes.

In the garden the plant reaches 80 cm in height, and flowers from June to September with lilac-blue blooms that are visited by bees.

Catnip has many medicinal uses, including relieving infant colic and lowering fever in cough medicines.

Tea made from the herb is helpful for nausea and diarrhoea. Catnip induces sleep and sweating and has been drunk to relieve headaches. It was also used as a sedative in ancient Rome.

Catnip (cat herb) is a honey plant with a lemon-mint aroma that attracts cats.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 70%
• Pack size: 0.4 g
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: March and April; transplants or direct
• Flowering: June – September
• Harvest: May – July
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Catnip

Catnip seeds are sown in March and April. The plants flower from June to September. The crop is harvested from May to July. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Catnip

• Sowing method: seedlings or direct
• Depth: 0.5 cm
• Spacing: 25–30 cm
• Germination: 10–20 days at 18–22 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Indoor sowing is possible from late winter to late spring. Sow seeds on the surface of moist seed compost in pots. Cover the seeds with a light sprinkling of compost. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not soggy. Germination 7 to 21 days at temperatures of 16 to 22°C. When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into larger pots. Overwinter autumn sowings indoors and plant out the following spring. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions over 10 to 15 days before planting out after any risk of frost has passed, at 30 cm. apart. Direct sowing in spring to early summer, once the risk of frost has passed. The seeds can be sown outdoors, directly where they are to flower. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1.2 cm. from March to May, at temperatures of around 20°C . The seeds germinate in two to three weeks. Thin the plants so that they are finally 30 cm apart by early summer. Alternatively, leave them to grow as small clumps, with 4 to 6 plants every 30 cm. The soil should be kept lightly moist, but not too wet, at all times.

Undemanding, drought-tolerant.

Harvest and use

The leaves are dried for tea and cat toys.

Frequently asked questions

When should Catnip be sown?

The recommended sowing months are March and April. Sowing method: seedlings or direct.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 70%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.