Content
- The care of catnip: Elaborate or uncomplicated?
- How must the catnip be overwintered?
- Does she need a fertilizer?
- Is casting necessary?
- Does it need protection against pests and diseases?
- How and when should she be cut?
- Tips & Tricks
The care of catnip: Elaborate or uncomplicated?
She smells wonderful, looks beautiful, attracts cats like a magnet and bees like to play with her. But all the positive aspects for a moment in the background: How long is the catnip?
Next article There are many reasons to cut catnipHow must the catnip be overwintered?
The catnip is perennial and hardy in our latitudes. Nevertheless, it is important to choose a warm location for them, so that they survive the winter time without damage.
When kept in a pot, the pot should be covered with fleece or jute during the winter so that the roots do not freeze. Furthermore, it is recommended - both in the field and in the pot - not to cut off the stalks of catnip in the fall. They serve as protection against freezing wetness.
Does she need a fertilizer?
The green-leaved varieties should be regularly supplied with fertilizer. The best is compost. It is not recommended to use artificial fertilizers because they like to use too much nitrogen. In contrast to the green-leaved varieties, the gray-powdered varieties require no fertilizer.
Is casting necessary?
The regular watering of the gray-powdered varieties can be forgotten once. You can drive in the ownership of such plants carefree on holiday and expose the plants to the summer heat. These varieties do not mind that as they tolerate dryness and heat well. The green-leaved varieties are polarized differently. They should be watered on a regular basis.
Does it need protection against pests and diseases?
The catnip is insensitive to pests. This is mainly due to the active substance called nepetalactone, which is found among others in its leaves and flowers. Pests displease this smell - exception: snails. On the other hand, diseases such as powdery mildew can occur. Then cut it back or wash the mushroom with detergent.
How and when should she be cut?
The catnip does not necessarily have, but can be cut:
It is after the main flowering - which is usually the case in July - cut just above the ground. This is followed by a re-flowering, which lasts until autumn. The right pruning takes place in spring.
Tips & Tricks
Traditional home remedies help to protect the catnip from slug feeding. These include 'beer traps' around the plant, snail fences and the picking up of the slime.
KKF