Catnip or Cat Mint

(Nepeta cataria, Linn.)

catnip plant

Name Origin:

The common name comes from the Etrurian city of Neptic. Often called Pussy's Delight. More on the History of Catnip.
 

Natural Order:

Labiatæ
 

Growing Cycle:

hardy perennial herb
 

Origins:

Catnip has become naturalized in the US and prefers dry, open places, particularly in the East.
 

Height:

18-36 inches tall
 

Characteristics:

Square, branching stems with notched oval or heartshaped leaves.
 

Flowers:

Clusters of pale purple, nearly white flowers in small heads.
 

How to Grow Catnip

seeds and transplantation

seeds to grow catnip with An ounce of catnip seeds contains approximately 3,400 seeds. Catnip seeds are viable for 5 years.
 

Sowing Seeds.

Catnip seeds are considered easy to germinate and easy to grow.
 
Sow seeds in autumn or spring in their intended place or can be started indoors or in a nursery bed. Once in place, catnip can grow for several years with only minimal weeding required.
 

Transplantation.

Once in a garden bed, catnip plants should be maintained 18 to 24 inches apart in each direction.

Catnip Uses

leaves and oil

Catnip is often used as a bee forage and is why open areas are often planted with catnip.
 
At one time catnip leaves were used in sauces, but milder flavors have surplanted it's place in the culinary kitchen. In their folk medicine lore, the French often used catnip for infant flatulance.
 
Catnip oil is a natural insect repellant.
 
Catnip, is of course, most well-known for its effect on cats.

General Info

Culinary Herbs