Catnip Nepeta

The name ‘Nepeta’ is derived from the Etrurian city of Neptic, where, historically, this catnip plant is thought to have grown extensively.

In France, where catnip is called herbe aux chats, it was used to make tea, prior to the arrival of Chinese teas. Nowadays, the most well-known use of catnip is as a attractant for cats. It’s the nepetalactone compound that our furry friends are drawn to – it has strong behavioural effects across the cat family.

It’s a little-known fact, however, that only two-thirds of cats are sensitive to catnip. The other third simply don’t enjoy those strange rubbing, rolling pawing, licking and chewing behaviours often seen in catnip-loving felines. What a pity for them!

• INFO
• HOW TO GROW
• HOW TO EAT

• LATIN NAME
  Nepeta cataria
  
  NAME
  Catnip
  
  QUANTITY
  300 seeds
  
  PLANT SIZE
  Height 50 cm
  Width 20 cm
  
  CONTAINER SIZE
  Height 30 cm
  Width 30 cm
  
  COMPANION PLANT
  Mints, lemon balm, onions, garlic chives, chamomile.
• SOWING
  Indoor Not required
  Outdoor Feb-Mar
  
  TIMING
  Germination 7-15 days
  Harvesting 40-60 days
  
  SPACING
  When sowing 1-3 cm; Depth 0,5 cm
  When thinning 3-5 cm
  
  GROWING
  Sunligth Full sun to partial shade.
  Soil Well-drained, light and poor soil.
  Watering Regular watering, not overdone.
  Feeding Addition of fertilizer is not necessary.
  
  CARING
  Expert tip If you set it, the cats will eat it: if you sow it, the cats won’t know it’.
  
  SUPPORTING
  Pollinators
  Attracts bees, butterflies.
  Pests
  Repels ants, aphids, beetles and cockroaches. Funnily enough, mice and rats also hate catnip!
• HARVESTING
  You can harvest catnip leaves at any time during the growing season. The oils that entrance cats so completely reach their peak, however, when the plant is in flower.
  
  EATING
  Medicinal properties Some believe that, when chewed, catnip root can make a person fierce and quarrelsome. It is also listed, however, as an effective sedative – particularly for children.
  How to eat Young catnip leaves are edible raw. They have an aromatic, mint-like flavour and can be eaten in cold dishes. The fresh, young shoots are good in spring salads or rubbed into meat.