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Herbs

Catnip

Nepeta cataria

Catnip is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family, known for its aromatic leaves that attract cats. It has a square stem, opposite leaves, and produces small, white to lavender flowers. Catnip is used in herbal medicine, as a tea, and as a recreational herb for cats.

Calculate System for Catnip
400.00–600.00mm
Water Need
120 days
Season
30.00–60.00cm
Root Depth
25,000 kg/ha
Yield
20,000
Plants/ha

Growth Stages

Season: Mar – Aug (120 days)

Initial
Kc 0.400
30 days
Development
Kc 0.700
40 days
Mid-Season
Kc 1.000
60 days
Late
Kc 0.800
30 days

Catnip can be grown from seeds or cuttings. It is important to allow the plants to flower for optimal essential oil production. Varieties include 'Cat's Meow' and 'Lemon Catnip'.

Water Requirements

Season Total: 400.00600.00 mm
Water Stress Sensitivity: High
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Water Productivity: 15.500 kg/m³

Recommended Methods

Drip Irrigation90.00%Fixed Sprinkler70.00%

Soil Compatibility

Optimal pH range: 6.0 – 7.5

Sandy Loam
AWC100.00mm/m
Drainagegood
Drainage: Well-drained soils preferred
Organic Matter: 2.00%
Soil should be rich in organic matter. Consider adding compost before planting to improve soil structure.

Climate Compatibility

Temperature range: 15.0°C – 30.0°C

Temperate Continental
ETo: 1.006.00 mm/day
Temp: -20.0°C – 30.0°C
Frost: high
Mediterranean
ETo: 3.007.00 mm/day
Temp: 5.0°C – 35.0°C
Frost: low
Frost Tolerance: Low frost tolerance
Heat Tolerance: Moderate heat tolerance
Protect young plants from frost. In hotter climates, provide partial shade during peak summer.

Planting Layout

100.00cm
Row Spacing
50.00cm
Plant Spacing
20,000
Plants per ha

Nutrient Requirements (kg/ha)

Nitrogen (N)150 kg/ha
Phosphorus (P)60 kg/ha
Potassium (K)180 kg/ha
40
Calcium (Ca) kg/ha
25
Magnesium (Mg) kg/ha
20
Sulfur (S) kg/ha
Schedule: Apply nitrogen in 3 splits during growing season
Organic Matter: 2-3% organic matter recommended

Yield Information

25,000
kg/ha
2.500
kg/plant
0.450
Harvest Index
Quality Factors: Size, color, sugar content

Design Your Catnip Irrigation System

Use our free calculators to plan water requirements, spacing, and system costs for your Catnip field.

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Related Guides

Introduction to Growing and Irrigating Catnip

Catnip, scientifically known as Nepeta cataria, is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family. It is well-known for its attractive foliage and its ability to attract and stimulate cats. However, catnip is not only beneficial for our feline friends but also for agricultural purposes. In this article, we will…

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