Catnip

Catnip

Botanical name: Nepeta cataria

Life cycle: Perennial

Height: 60 cm  

Position: Full sun / part shade

Soil preference: Well drained

Description

Catnip is an upright frost hardy perennial growing to 60 cm high. The square shaped stems are straight with grey-green, heart-shaped leaves. The gently fragrant leaves have scalloped edges with grey-white hairs on the underside. The long blooming flowers grow on spikes and are white with pink or purple spots. The flowers are small with a delicate, lightly fragrant aroma. Well known for its leaves and blossoms relished by cats.

Uses

Culinary –Fresh young leaves can be added to salads for a refreshing aromatic mint flavour. Fresh or dried leaves can be used to make a delicious herbal tea.

Medicinal – Catnip is a traditional cold and flu remedy used in any feverish condition. It can induce sleep and perspiration but does not increase body temperature. The pleasant taste and gentle action make it suitable for treating children. Catnip is markedly anti-flatulent, helping to settle indigestion and colic. The herb is also useful in treating headaches relative to digestive problems. Catnip also has an antiseptic use for skin problems and the tannins speed skin healing for small wounds, cuts, insect bites and inflammation.

Household – Dried leaves can be placed into small bags and sewn up for cats to play with. Alternatively, the plants can be placed in the garden, however cats will only be affected by the plant if they brush up against the leaves, breaking or bruising them to release the chemicals.

One of the volatile oils in catnip is citronellol, which is useful as an insect repellent when distilled. It is said to be useful against mosquitos and aphids and can help control external parasites such as lice and mites in animals and poultry.

Growing conditions

Catnip thrives in partial shade and grow the bushiest when planted in moist, well drained, moderately enriched soils. However, it is somewhat drought tolerant and will grow well in dry sandy soil, as long as water is supplied in hot periods. Catnip has tiny seeds and self-sows very easily.

9cm pot.

Organically grown plant.