Nepeta cataria aka Catnip
Taxonomy
Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, catswort, catwort, and catmint is a versatile, low-maintenance herb native to southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of China. It is widely naturalized in northern Europe, New Zealand, and North America, and its aromatic properties produce a permanent peppermint scent wherever it is grown. Catnip is known for its intense attraction to cats, however, its uses go far beyond that and it is also used as an ingredient in herbal teas and valued for its sedative and relaxant properties. Its leaves exude a scent and taste similar to mint and peppermint, and have small whitish hairs while the flowers can go from purple to white and are dotted in red. Catnip is relatively easy to grow and does best in long-lasting, direct light. It needs regular watering to thrive and should be less than 1 foot from a window in order to produce its fantastic scent.
Common names
Catnip, Catmint, Common CatnipHow to care for Catnip
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Catnip is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
Catnip should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Catnip loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Catnip requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Catmint is always in the right place to thrive.
Toxicity
Catnip is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
No extra humidity is necessary for the Catnip. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
Repotting the Catnip should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
Clumping is a defining characteristic of the Catnip, with new growth appearing from the soil surrounding the primary plant.
Region of origin
Catnip’s native range is Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Flower
Yes, if you provide your Catnip with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.
More info:
Wikipedia
