A few days ago we talked to you about the cataria nepeta, also known as catnip, cat mint or cat basil , a plant famous for the effect it has on cats. Well, today we are going to tell you how to grow this species in your garden.
The nepeta cataria is a perennial plant with a greyish, hairy, and branched stem that reaches 20-60 cm in height. It has opposite leaves, petiolate, cordate, with serrated and hairy edges on the underside. The numerous flowers are yellowish and pink with purple spots, grouping in a loose pedunculated spike. The plant gives off a strong minty smell that attracts cats. If you want to know everything about how to grow catnip, keep reading this article.
Nepeta cataria seeds
First you have to buy nepeta cataria seeds and plant them in a small pot . You can also find grown plants in some garden stores.
Of course, keep in mind that planting from seeds is always much cheaper. The best time to sow it is early spring, outdoors .
Where to locate the plant
After planting the seeds, you must choose a sunny place to locate the plant. In addition, you must bear in mind that the cataria nepeta requires frequent watering and a lot of drainage to prevent excess water from rotting its roots, leading to the death of the plant.
It is true that this herb tolerates places with some shade and poor soil, but it is better if it has some organic matter .
Other tips
It is also important to keep the cat away until the plant grows a bit, as it could eat the whole plant or get on top of it. It is a good idea to put a fence around the plant to avoid problems, especially if there are more cats in the neighborhood.
On the other hand, you should bear in mind that this plant is from the mints family and, therefore, spreads easily, and can become a harmful herb for your garden.
