Catnip

The Cat’s Botanical Obsession

Grow one of the most recognizable members of the mint family. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is an easy-to-grow perennial with aromatic foliage and delicate flowers that attract pollinators. Its fascinating botanical chemistry, long history in traditional herb gardens, and famous relationship with cats make it an entertaining and distinctive addition to any collector’s living botanical collection. The Cat Made You Grow It!

Growing Tips

• Easy-to-grow perennial

• Prefers full sun

• Drought tolerant once established

• Attractive to pollinators

Planting Tips

• Surface sow or lightly cover seeds

• Space mature plants approximately 12 inches apart

• Grow in well-draining soil

Interesting Facts

• Catnip contains nepetalactone, an aromatic compound responsible for the characteristic response it produces in many cats.

• Historically, catnip leaves were prepared as an herbal tea and used in traditional herbal practices associated with relaxation, digestion, and rest.

• Not every cat responds to catnip—the sensitivity is inherited.

• Catnip belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae.

For cultivation. Historical and traditional-use information is provided for botanical and educational purposes only and is not medical advice.