Herbs > Catnip Herb

Information on, uses of and how to grow catnip:

Name
Nepeta cataria.

Family
Labiatae.

History
Traditionally well-known for the appeal of its essential oils to cats. These oils were also used in perfume making.

Growing pattern
Perennial.

Seeds
Buy Catnip Seeds (Organic and Non-Organic) from The Green Chronicle (Pay in $US, £, Euro).
from Mountain Rose Herbs ($US).

How to grow
Can be grown from seed but the most usual way is from cuttings which root very easily and from root division in March.

Soil condition/position
Catnip likes a rich soil in a sunny position. It will grow well in rockeries.

Appearance
Silver-grey foliage Catnip will grow to 90cm.

Uses
Cats love it so it can be used to attract them away from other parts of the garden.

If you have a question about catnip, have a look at our reader's question page on Catnip.