Growing Herbs

Catnip is a perennial herb native to Europe but now found wild in many parts of the United States and often considered a weed here. Plants are 60-100cm tall with branching, upright stems similar to the mints. The leaves are heart-shaped with pointed tips and toothed edges, green on the upper sides and a grayish color underneath. Colorful spikes of lavender or white flowers bloom in June at the tips of the stems. With age, plants can become scraggly and should be cut back each year after flowering to keep looking neat and to prevent them from spreading. Another species of nepeta is N. mussinii or cat mint. It grows in soft undulating mounds 30-60cm high and has 1cm lavender-blue flowers in loose spikes at the ends of the stems. For a ground cover, set plants 30-45cm apart.

Give catnip a light, rich soil in sun or partial shade, and moderate moisture. Sow seeds in early spring or late fall. You also can propagate by root division in the fall or spring, by layering, or from stem cuttings.

In the past, catnip has been used for treating hysteria, nervousness, and headaches. The aroma of the leaves has a well known effect on almost all cats, making them kittenish and playful. Because cats are tempted to play in plants of catnip growing in the garden, you may want to protect young seedlings until they are large enough so they will not be badly damaged by a cat's rambunctiousness.

The leaves are a treat for your cat and can be given to him fresh or dried. A tea is also made from the leaves that is said to be relaxing and soothing.

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