Catmint belongs to the Nepeta genus.

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Catnip is a perennial herb. A durable, easy-to-grow perennial used mainly as a treat for cats. The plant has an aromatic, characteristic odour, which bears a certain resemblance to that of both Mint and Pennyroyal. It is owing to this scent that it has a strange fascination for cats. Catnip tends to have a sedative effect on humans. It is most often drunk as a tea.

This plant is considered invasive in some areas. It is a prolific self-seeder. To prevent against this deadhead immediately after flower are spent.

• Lifecycle The lifecycle that this plant exhibits. Perennial Category The basic category that this plant belongs to. Herb
• Hardiness How frost hardy this plant is. Very Hardy Country of Origin Where this plant originated from.
• Mature Height How tall the plant will be when it grows up. 60.0 cm / 23.4" Mature Spread How wide the plant will be when it grows up. ?
• Bloom Time When this plant usually blooms. Early Summer Harvest Time When this plant is usually harvested. Late Summer

How to keep this plant happy

Water regularly and fertilize when 6" tall. To keep plants tidy and to increase leaf production, pinch out developing flower buds. Cut shoot tips with a few leaves, To dry, hang stems in a dry, dark, well-ventilated area. Store in an airtight container.

• USDA Zone Range The zones that this plant is recommended to grow best in. 3 - 9 pH Range The level of acidity that this plant thrives in. 6.1 - 7.8
• Water Requirements The amount of water that this plant likes to drink. Medium Nitrogen Requirements The amount of nitrogen that should be present in the soil. ?
• Soil The type of soil that this plant likes to live in.
  Potting Mix Combination
  Sun The type of light that this plant likes to sunbake in.
  Full Sun Partial Sun
• Min. Air Temperature The lowest air temp that this plant will be happy in. -40°C / -40°F Max. Air Temperature The highest air temp that this plant will be happy in. ?

Sowing and Germinating Instructions

For strong plants, either start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost, or sow outdoors in late summer/early fall and provide winter protection where necessary.

• Can Sow Direct? Can seeds be sown directly in situ? ? Sowing Depth Seeds should be sown at this depth. 0.6 cm / 0.0"
• Sowing Distance Apart This plant should be sown at least this distance apart 2.5 cm / 0.78" Sowing Row Distance Apart This plant should be sown in rows at least this distance apart 38.0 cm / 14.82"
• Min. Germination Temperature The lowest temp that this plant will germinate from seed. ? Max. Germination Temperature The highest temp that this plant will germinate from seed. ?

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Planting Out / Transplanting Instructions

• Planting Distance Apart Seedlings should be planted this far apart. 2.5 cm / 0.78" Planting Row Distance Apart Rows between plantings should be at least this far apart. 38.0 cm / 14.82"

How long does it approximately take to grow?

• Days to Germination From seed to seedling 32 days Average 32 days | Min 5 days | Max 105 days (6)
• Days to Transplant From seedling to transplant / planting out + days
• Days to Maturity From transplant to harvest / maturity of plant + 75 days Total Growing Days From seed to maturity = days

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When should I start sowing and growing?

• When to sow The number of days to sow before or after your last frost date. 8 days before Last Frost Date When to plant out The number of days to plant out before or after your last frost date. ?

Etymology

Folklore

Before the use of tea from China, our English peasantry were in the habit of brewing Catmint Tea, which they said was quite as pleasant and a good deal more wholesome.

Other Names

Catnip, True Catnip, Cat Mint, Field Balm, Catnep