plant

Catnip

Nepeta cataria

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) — a plant, for Full sun, Low water. Companions: Tomato, Courgette marrow.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade
Watermoderate

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomassmedium
Nectarattracts pollinators
Pollenattracts pollinators

Companions

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceEmergence of new growth in spring after the last frost and when soil temperatures consistently reach 10°C.
floweringFlowering begins in early summer as days lengthen and temperatures are warm, continuing for several months.
senescenceFoliage begins to die back with the first autumn frosts.
dormancyEnters dormancy after the first hard frosts of autumn, remaining dormant through winter.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalNo
Accumulatespotassium, calcium, magnesium
Soil textureloam, sandy_loam, clay_loam
Organic matterMedium
Compaction toleranceMedium

Propagation

Methodsseed, cuttings, division
Difficulty1 / 5
Establishes in~1 yr
Stratificationcold_moist
Self-seedingModerate
Divisionspring

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, butterflies, cats
Repelsaphids, squash bugs, flea beetles, ants, rodents