Many cats love playing around in catnip

It’s a well-known fact that the majority of cats are addicted to catmint (Nepeta x mussinii) and catnip (Nepeta cataria). If yours is one, you’ll soon know because your plants will be well and truly loved to death, left in a chewed and flattened heap.

Here's our essential catnip growing guide for this wonderful feline-friendly herb:

Buying catnip for cats
Catnip is easy to find in the spring. Most garden centres sell it, along with other herbs. Mail-order nurseries are also a good source. However, be sure that you do not buy an ornamental catnip by mistake - it's no use to cats!

Growing from seed
If you choose to grow your plants from seed start about eight weeks before the last frost in your area. This is usually around the end of May. Start the seed in two-inch pots, using sterile potting mix. Moisten the soil mix, press the seeds lightly down and cover with a tiny bit of mix. Cover the pots with plastic, and keep warm. Expose the young plants to full sun as soon as they start sprouting, and do not allow them to dry out. Gradually acclimatize the plants to outside conditions, and plant them outdoors when the danger of frost is past, usually at the end of May.

Growing needs
Full sun, ample moisture, and reasonable soil are all that is required. Catnip will grow happily in patio pots. The worst damage usually comes from outside cats that discover the plants while young and vulnerable. Catnip can survive long periods of drought once it is growing well. In fact, this can intensify the aroma by concentrating the essential elements that sends cats mad.

Harvesting and storing
You can begin harvesting catnip as soon as the stems get to about one foot tall, and continue cutting all summer. Cut the stems when morning dew has evaporated and hang upside down in an airing cupboard. When completely dried up and crunchy, crumble the leaves into a paper bag and throw away the stems. Store in plastic bags safely locked away - if they're easiy accessible your cat will do its utmost to get at it!

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