Cats Meow (Nepeta faassenii) produces rich lavender-blue flowers on upright flop-proof stems, with a dense, uniform habit. Sign up for our newsletter. . It grows and flowers freely. You may be . If you suspect that your child has eaten a large amount of Catmint, contact your doctor for information on a treatment plan. The leaves and flowers can be steeped to make a soothing herbal tea with a mild minty taste and a sweet fragrance. Lift and divide catmint clumps every three years in the spring to increase your plant stock. They can also be candied or used to make herbal tea. The common name catmint can also refer to the genus as a whole. No, not every type of mint is safe to eat. . Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, plants are virtually pest and disease-free, while the mint-like scent repels deer and rabbits. { Catmint is an aromatic herb that is commonly grown in the garden. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Once the leaves are dry, strip them from the stems and store in an airtight container. Catmint plays well with others. Doesn't get any easier than that! Pin to save this info on catnip vs catmint & health benefits of catnip for later! (Like pine and spruce! Even so, the catmint and catnip names often get used interchangeably as though they referred to a single herb. Pruning: Some varieties of catmint may become leggy or flop open at the center. During extreme heat or prolonged dry spells, water as needed. Why do cats love it? Mulch will help retain moisture and keep down weeds. It can also help prevent re-seeding. Nepeta Common name: Catmint These dependable perennials produce a profusion of usually lavender-blue flowers over a long season from late-spring to late-summer. "name": "Plant Addicts", During this period it is important to ensure that the seedlings remain moist. "headline": "Is Catmint Poisonous", Small, two-lipped, white (with pale purple spotting) flowers (1/4" long) bloom in spike-like terminal clusters at the stem ends from late spring well into summer. Purrsian Blue Catmint, 32119, Blue, Fast growing, dense foliage mound; reaches 14 to 18 in. I dont really mind finding catnip in new spots around my edible landscape, so I just harvest more for my tea. Calamintha 'Montrose White' is a very healthy and pest-resistant plant. You can get catnip at Amazon as well, though it costs more. Whats A Good Italian Seasoning Substitute? Nepete is now known as Nepi. If you have a lot of catmint, the best way to store it is by drying it. It said Catmint contains a compound called nepetalactone, which is the compound that makes this herb so irresistible to cats. } Catnip leaves contain a compound called nepetalactone. Required fields are marked *. Your email address will not be published. Despite being known for its effects on felines, cats arent the only ones who can enjoy catmint. or so apart. "@type": "", Some people harvest catmint leaves to use as a culinary herb similar to mint. Follow these steps and space plants 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety. It is also an edible herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. Eurasia, Macaronesia to Eastern Tropical Africa, Herbal teas from leaves. If you live in a cold climate and are frequently growing plants from seed a heated propagation tray is a worthwhile investment as they are relatively low cost and will really help to get your seeds going in the early part of the growing season. "@type": "WebPage", Suitable for small spaces, containers, or as edging along pathways, borders and beds. Get more ideas for growing catmint . Garden Tour: Native Plants at Westchester Community College NY Share Watch on Where does the Nepeta cataria plant come from? The plant is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, but it has become naturalized in North America and can now be found in nearly every continent. This occasional bit of maintenance is far outweighed by the advantages it brings to the garden. It is believed to be useful in relieving stress, menstrual cramps, flu symptoms, and digestive symptoms. Named "Perennial of the Year" in 2007, and one of the most reknowned catnip plants, the subspecies of nepeta Walker's Low offers an abundance of lavender-blue flowers spiking above its gray green foliage from mid-May through late September. If you are interested in purchasing one we recommend the iPower Heating Seed Starter Germination Kit which is shown in the picture below. Several Native American tribes embraced the herb for its medicinal benefits. If you want to harvest catmint for its leaves, wait until the plant is well-established (after 2-3 years) and has produce a large amount of foliage. Backfill the hole with soil and tamp down slightly to remove air pockets. For complementary color, pair with yellow flowers that bloom at the same time: For a pollinator-friendly summer border, combine with: 2023 Proven Winners North America LLC. You've come to the right place! var slotId = 'div-gpt-ad-stuffsure_com-medrectangle-3-0'; Both are totally fine for cats in moderation, but cats are usually more attracted to catnip. You can use catmint tea as a sleep aid or as a tea to treat anxiety. To compare a range of different Catmint varieties click here. This metastudy covers numerous Nepeta species (including several catmints) and reports that many had high concentrations of antioxidants and compounds with antimicrobial and other properties. A list of the more common varieties of Nepetafaassenii are provided below; In addition to Nepetafaassenii there are also several other species from the same genus that are useful alternatives in the garden if the soil conditions are not ideal. Substitute catmint for lavender in colder climates where lavender wont grow. Frequent harvest also helps prevent the aggressive spread of catnip plants. Manage Settings Its also advisable to stop or limit catmint consumption during menstruation as it may make periods heavier. If you want to grow your own catnip or catmint, you can get a free division from a friend or neighbor (just be sure its the plant you want! C and vitamins A and K. Minerals: Catmint is a good source of iron, manganese, and potassium. // ]]> As the flowers start to blossom, gather the leaves, trimming the top leaves, stems, and flowers if you like. Plant catmint alongside other plants with similar cultural needs of full sun and good drainage. Catnip is also considered useful in companion planting. How and When to Plant Catmint In the spring, plant catmint plants 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety, in moist soil. The catmint herb is easy to grow. Their rich flavor and texture make them versatile additions to recipes, either as a side. var ffid = 1; You can make a simple tea from a teaspoon or two of dried catnip (or 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh catnip) per cup of boiling water. The plant produces a mass of flowers that are most commonly purple but there are also varieties that have pink, white, and yellow flowers. Catnip is also found to be highly attractive to cats, with many of them exhibiting a naturally induced euphoria around the plant. Catnip leaves contain a compound called nepetalactone. Catmint does require lots of space to grow and are aggressive growers, crowding out other plants if given the chance. Catmint is valuable for its medicinal value, which comes from compounds it contains. In terms of soil conditions, the plant will tolerate a wide range of different soils but ideally, they prefer rich moist soil that are well-drained. Catmints flowers are usually purple, and the leaf shape and growth pattern differ from catnip, as you can see in the photos below. Some people drink catnip tea to relieve digestive problems, but some people may not tolerate it well. Cut the plants back by one-third to one-half in late spring or early summer. If they are planted early enough in the season it is likely that they will flower in the first season. It is less picky about its soil and will grow in clay, loam, sandy, or shallow rocky soil. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); It is an excellent low-maintenance plant that requires very little work are really suits a gardener that wants their garden to look good without doing much work. ins.dataset.adClient = pid; It is drought tolerant once established. It produces aromatic gray-green foliage and upright flower spikes in shades of lavender-blue, pink or white. Seller with a 100% positive feedback. Remove the catmint plant from the nursery pot and tease out roots if potbound. This overview of pharmacological uses around the world also reports that members of the Nepeta genus contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and other properties and have been used to treat malaria, chickenpox, tuberculosis, measles, as well as respiratory, digestive, and other complaints. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. As a garden plant, catmint acts as a repellent for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs. The plant's nicknames, catnip, catmint or catwort are no doubt inspired by cat's well-known taste for the plants. The plant is characterized by its square stem, downy leaves, and lavender-colored flowers. Find plants you love and create idea boards for all your projects. Just go take a look at it for yourself before accepting someones offer of catnip or catmint, because odds are they dont know the difference between them! The minty flavored leaves of catmint are commonly used in herbal teas and are thought to have various health benefits. The leaves can also be cooked and used as a flavoring for soups, stews, vegetables, or meat dishes. But i have one question.. How can it help against menstrual pain but is at the same time not advised to take during menstruation. This hardy plant is drought-resistant, so you dont have to water them too often. Spearmint is found in many pet products to help reduce bad breath. Many people wonder what is the difference between catnip and catmint. Among other benefits, nepetalactone has a calming and relaxing effect. If you want to try it, go to your local nursery and ask for catmint - for some reason its called catmint when you talk about planting it, but catnip . Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Catmint flowers are lavender. Bloom occurs from late spring into fall, with the small tubular flowers attracting hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and other insect pollinators. Lastly, catmint has mild sedative effects, so avoid consumption before driving and two weeks before any scheduled surgery. Catmint is generally considered more attractive and well-behaved in the garden than its cousin catnip and is often used as a landscape plant. Nepetalactone also repels insects, so its not bad to have around the house. Water catmint plants regularly until they become well established. They require plenty of space too and should be spaced (or thinned) to at least a foot (31 cm.) You can learn more about how to grow Faassen's catmint in our guide.. Cultivation and History. Start, How to Make Vinegar from Scratch {Homemade Vinegar 2 Ways}, 35+ Best Spinach Companion Plants {Plus 2 to Avoid} . The plant is said to have stress-relieving properties that help reduce anxiety. Her first book, Everything Elderberry, released in September 2020 and has been a #1 new release in holistic medicine, naturopathy, herb gardening, and other categories. . This use aligns with the Cherokee use of catnip as an abortifacient, so its probably best to avoid catnip in pregnancy. The Nepeta genus to which catmint belongs gets its name from the city of Nepete in Etruria. Get more practical ways to live greener and healthier delivered straight to your inbox! It is also resistant to attacks from wildlife such as deer or rabbits who do not seem interested in eating it. Will I start having stray cats in my yard if I decide to plant cat mint? Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The plant may need the occasional water in dry period and a trim at the end of the season to tidy up plant, however, this is entirely optional. "name": "Robbin Small", It is also a natural way to help repel fleas. Catmint's mounding or upright growth habit is perfect for mixed borders, as pathway edging, or in mass plantings. In addition to its culinary uses, catmint has also been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. Please consult them for more information and a licensed professional for personalized recommendations. At this stage, the plants will have typically reached a height of 4 inches or so. When filling the trays I recommend using seed raising mix as it is light and fluffy which makes it easier for the seedlings roots to penetrate the soil. Shear the plants back to half their size in fall or following harvest. They are even heat and drought tolerant, making them excellent plants for dry garden areas. } Fresh, dried, or frozen catmint can be used in cooking or as a tea. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. Calamint is a member of the mint family, but it doesn't spread by runners, so it usually remains well behaved in the garden. If large amounts are eaten, it can cause stomach upset, but rarely any other problems. This page contains affiliate links to products on Amazon. When growing Catmint from seeds it is best to start them off in early spring in seed trays. Catmint's spreading form makes it a good choice for meadows, naturalized areas, and cottage gardens. If you prefer, you can also tincture your catnip or buy a catnip tincture ready-made. The plant is tolerant of hot and dry conditions which makes these plants particularly suited to regions with long hot summers. Stop drinking catnip tea if it continues to cause an upset stomach after a few uses. //