Order mixed annual combinations ready to plant in your containers. Spread out to dry in a cool, ventilated area and store the dried herb in an airtight container or bag to preserve its potency. It is common for gardeners to simply purchased a plant from the local garden center to start off as they multiply relatively quickly. A nursery in England would eventually offer it for sale in the late 1980s. The flavor of wild violets is mild, not overwhelming so you can eat a whole bunch at one time. Catmint, Nepetafaassenii, is a popular plant in the cottage garden. "name": "Robbin Small", Once planted the seeds will take 7 to 14 days to germinate and they will require a further 4 weeks or so before they reach the point where they are large enough to plant outside. Catmint isn't just a pretty face in the garden, it's an herb that can be used medicinally for a wide variety of ailments from arthritis to menstrual cramps. As its name implies, the catmint plant can be irresistible for cats. As you come across one of your favorite secret spots, Walk around clearings, forest roads, and even gravel driveways in fall, and you might just run across the orange peel fungus (Aleuria aurantia). Finally, catmint won't stimulate cats in the same way as catnip does. Catmint has a clumping habit. Given that it looks similar to mint and has mint in the name is actually edible like common mint? However, if you are starting the plants off this early it may be necessary to apply additional heat either by bringing the seed tray inside your house or using a heated propagation tray. Lastly, catmint has mild sedative effects, so avoid consumption before driving and two weeks before any scheduled surgery. No, not every type of mint is safe to eat. Catmint is an aromatic herb that is commonly grown in the garden. Edibility and culinary use Despite being known for its effects on cats, cats aren't the only ones who can enjoy catmint. Catmint can be grown in sun or partial shade with average, well-draining soil. Patricia Taylor discovered the Walkers Low cultivar of catmint in the 1970s and took cuttings with her back to England. var pid = 'ca-pub-5625333199759946'; In general, you can grow catnip just about anywhere, with the exception of soil that is too boggy or plots that receive too little light. Here are some other differences and similarities between the two plants: Catnip has a weedier appearance, while catmint is often used as a pretty, flowering perennial in beds. As a garden plant, catmint acts as a repellent for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs. Over time, deer can become used to the smell of repellents; consider rotating brands and types to maintain effectiveness. These Walker's Low catmint plants can easily reach 30 inches in height from ground to top of flower stalk, and grows to be about 36-40 inches wide. // ]]> To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. It is advisable to add a layer of mulch around the surface of the plants to suppress weeds while the plant is getting established. Catmint is valuable for its medicinal value, which comes from compounds it contains. Hi, I'm Susannah, a garden geek, energy nerd, and fan of healthy food and natural remedies. Even though Catnip has less of the chemical that cats crave in Catnip, cats are attracted to this plant. Consider planting low-growing Catmint around plants that attract deer browsing. "@type": "Organization", As weve covered earlier, catmint is certainly a useful herb to have around. 'Early Bird' Flowers/Leaves - March 28 - Wake Co., NC. A sweet-smelling plant with large, leafy, fern-like leaves and small white flowers.The roots are described as being knobby and brown. container.style.maxWidth = container.style.minWidth + 'px'; Is Catmint Edible? Fortunately, if a dog does decide to eat a few leaves or flowers, it is not toxic. Catmint is an edible plant that is most commonly used as a medicinal herbal tea rather than being eaten directly. About SPICEographyMaster your spice rack at SPICEography. With all the confusion about names, most searches for whether catmint is edible will take you to a post actually describing catnip, which definitely is edible and has many studied medicinal uses. How much sun does catmint need?For best flowering, catmint needs at least 6 hours of full sun per day. Follow on, HealthyGreenSavvy is all about shortcuts to a healthier, greener life. Cats Meow (Nepeta faassenii) produces rich lavender-blue flowers on upright flop-proof stems, with a dense, uniform habit. But a few may be lethal if consumed in sufficient quantitiesand, The days grow shorter, and the weather chillier. Catnip is a pretty hardy plant, and it's adaptable to most soil conditions. All Rights Reserved. Catmint is not only good news for cats. Catmint is most often grown by seed or through division. Water catmint plants regularly until they become well established. Usage: Chewed to extract the juice of the leaves or the root. During this period it is important to ensure that the seedlings remain moist. It is a drought-tolerant plant that produces attractive foliage and blue flowers throughout the summer. var ffid = 1; Professional Growing Information. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Playing in an area with Catmint or eating small amounts of the plant will rarely cause a reaction. These plants are good for mass planting or edging and are suitable near vegetables as an insect deterrent especially for aphids and Japanese beetles. Some plants work well together, and others just don't. We are taking a deep dive into these "good neighbor" plants, what works well together, and what should be avoided but more importantly, we're explaining why these things may have positive or . Is catmint edible for humans? This study looked at similar traditional uses of different catmints in various parts of the world. So much so that it was given the Award of Garden Merit by theRoyal Horticultural Society in the UK. It is a sterile hybrid plant, the result of a cross between Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta nepetella. If something were to happen to your furry friend, and you suspect that they are suffering from Catmint poisoning, there is a poison control hotline to call for 24/7 vet advice. The leaves can also be cooked and used as a flavoring for soups, stews, vegetables, or meat dishes. However, you may want to reconsider as pine needles are, Chanterelles are among the most prized of wild edible mushrooms. 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 . 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. They should be able to start blooming in their first summer if you plant them early enough. } Email Address*, See our privacy policy for more information about ads on this site. For most species, these flowers are produced in late spring and early summer and usually last for several months. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. In The Green Pharmacy, renowned ethnobotanist James Duke writes that catnip may be helpful for preventing cataracts, promoting sleep, and for treating amenorrhea. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The plant is also quite tolerant of cold conditions and is hardy down to zone 3 in most cases. [CDATA[ Flowers are usually white, sometimes with a pinkish tinge. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. }, Remove and crumble leaves and add to cat toys. Is catmint the same as catnip? Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Backfill the hole with soil and tamp down slightly to remove air pockets. Like catnip, catmint is edible. Cats get frisky when they eat this plant yet humans find it relaxing. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. However, as you might expect Catmints are also relatively easy to grow from seed. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Heres how to make lemon balm tea, which is quite tasty with a little catnip, an excellent evening beverage to encourage relaxation and better sleep. All parts of the plant are considered safe for animal consumption, but only certain parts of the plant are safe for human consumption. N. x faassenii, an N. racemosa hybrid also known as Faassen's catmint, is a compact mounding hybrid with small but attractive lavender flowers.It is also grown primarily for its ornamental value. Substitute catmint for lavender in colder climates where lavender wont grow. Remove the catmint plant from the nursery pot and tease out roots if potbound. It works well in containers, planted along walkways, or nestled between rocks in a rock garden. wide., An exquisite new catmint variety with long-lasting clusters of vibrant lavender-blue flowers and aromatic gray-green foliage. It can be alarming to see your plant flattened by a cat, but Catmint will quickly recover after some pruning or propping back up with stakes. "@type": "Organization", Catmint species sold in garden centers typically include Nepeta faassenii, Nepeta grandiflora, or Nepeta racemosa, but there are many more catmint species around the world. Therefore, you may want to add some edging around them. . Catmint is edible and not considered toxic for humans or pets. I dry a lot of it for tea as it's calming, helping ease stress, anxiety and insomnia - it's perfect for nighttime tea. Apparently catmint is also ok for human consumption and is used in cooking sometimes but I haven't read . It is less picky about its soil and will grow in clay, loam, sandy, or shallow rocky soil. The plant is tolerant of hot and dry conditions which makes these plants particularly suited to regions with long hot summers. Catmint is drought tolerant once the root system is established, needing little or no supplemental water. Faassens catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is sterile, however, and doesnt require deadheading. If you dont want your garden overrun with felines, plant catmint instead, which is much less attractive to them. Heres how to tell spruce vs fir vs pine if youre curious.). Catmint is a close relative of catnip, a herb that holds a strong appeal for cats. The minty-flavored leaves are edible. Large amounts of Catmint need to be eaten for a dog to have much of a reaction. ins.className = 'adsbygoogle ezasloaded'; To keep the dried herb's effectiveness, spread it out to dry in a cool, well-ventilated place and store it in an airtight container or bag. Set the plant in the hole with the base level with the soil. var ins = document.createElement('ins'); This page contains affiliate links to products on Amazon. Manage Settings If you're looking for a tough-as-nails plant that will bloom for months on end with very little pampering, catmint is sure to make you purr with delight. A number of plants within the Nepeta genus are known as catnip or catmint. The plant's nicknames, catnip, catmint or catwort are no doubt inspired by cat's well-known taste for the plants. Meanwhile, older leaves can be used as a potherb in cooked dishes. Edible Herbs Catmint If you have ever seen catmint with its bountiful green foliage and clusters of small purple flowers, you may have mistaken it for lavender at first glance. As for the soil, catnip loves sandy soil and clay soil thats somewhat moist and well-drained. Ditto for butterflies. Hang these bundles upside down in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place. However, the catmint will still do very well in lower quality soil, it is generally quite hardy and drought-resistant. Cat lovers who also love to garden are likely to include cat-favorite plants in their beds, but it can get a little confusing. form a strategic partnership called N.C. I can answer the catnip part . These include Nepeta grandiflora (native to Caucasus), Nepeta sibirica (native to Siberia), and Nepeta racemosa (native to the Caucasus and Turkey). Given the choice between herbs and grass, however, cats are more likely . heres how to make a tincture from the Herbal Academy, Vitacost has the best price Ive found on bulk catnip, 45 Vegetables that Grow in Shade for Less Sunny Gardens, Easy DIY Bath Salts Recipe {Just 2 Ingredients & 2 Minutes! Find locations near you that offer Proven Winners products. As a garden plant, catmint acts as a repellent for certain insects, including aphids and squash bugs. While the two plants are similar, there are important distinctions. ins.style.minWidth = container.attributes.ezaw.value + 'px'; Featured Image: Catmint spires photo by DoF CC-BY-X on Wikimedia Commons, Leave your email address so you don't miss any of our wild edibles info! Catmint (Nepeta) Catmint repels aphids, cabbage looper, Colorado potato beetle, cucumber beetle, flea beetle, Japanese beetle, and, squash bugs. Catmint (nepeta faassenii or mussinii) is more ornamental with pretty purple flowers and has a bit of a cinnamony smell to its mint/catnip scent. Tea made from the leaves and flowers can be used for calming nerves and relieving coughs, congestion, and menstrual cramps. If you go to purchase plants at a nursery, youll likely find at least one if not more kinds of catmint sold with the ornamental perennials, as its a very popular landscape plant. Just like other mint family plants, Catmint is edible and not considered toxic for humans or pets. "author": { Before Romes rise, the country of Etruria was the center of Etruscan civilization. The Nepeta genus is included within the Lamiaceae family which is also known as the mint family. The leaves and flowers are safe for humans to eat, but the stems and roots are not.If youre looking to add a little flavor to your salads or other dishes, catmint leaves make a great addition. Additionally, catmint has had an extensive history of being a household herbal remedy. This is also believed to be the origin of its genus name, Nepeta. Catmint is a hybrid of Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta nepetella. This plant is edible for humans and it even has some medicinal benefits. Growth Stage. The catmint plant is also edible, and can be used for culinary purposes like other kitchen herbs. Seeds Now carries seeds for both catnip and catmint. Repellents can be used, although they need to be resprayed after heavy rains or lots of overhead watering. Harvest the plant frequently to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from setting seed too early. The variety is 2 to 3 feet tall with bluish-purple flowers and has larger leaves than the more common catmint. Likewise, catmint can be planted and grown in containers. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Basic care of catmint is easy. Profiles, comparisons, substitution recommendations, cooking tips, and more. Leaves and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked, raw leaves are nice and crunchy with a slightly mucilaginous texture. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Cats like it OK, but they wont go crazy for it the way they do for catnip. Catmint contains a compound called nepetalactone, which is the compound that makes this herb so irresistible to cats. Have you heard that there are medicinal benefits of catnip or is it catmint? Its catnip (Nepeta cataria) thats widely used medicinally. Catmint is an absolute asset in the garden. This plant has very few problems. Season of Interest. Its delicious minty taste makes it great to use in cooking and as an herbal medicine. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, plants are virtually pest and disease-free, while the mint-like scent repels deer and rabbits. The genus of Nepeta grows in different regions throughout Europe and Asia, though its precise origin is not known. It. Soil: Catmint grows easily in most soil types, including rocky or clay soil. Seller with a 100% positive feedback. Catmint plays well with others. In a shadier location, the plant will produce significantly fewer flowers but will still produce dense foliage. Identifying catnip vs catmint is easy once you get familiar with the two plants. When I put out a request for catmint in a local plant exchange group, one kind member dug up a huge clump of catnip for me and deposited it at my door. How to plant: Catmint flowers best in full sun to partial shade, preferring some afternoon shade in warmer climates. It tolerates drought and poor soil conditions. Catmint's spreading form makes it a good choice for meadows, naturalized areas, and cottage gardens. Catnip Plant Varieties: Growing Different Species Of Nepeta, Catmint Companion Plants: Tips On Planting Next To Catmint Herbs, Best Trees For Carbon Sequestration And Climate Change, Common Flowering Quince Diseases And Pests, These Weeds That Spread By Seed Can Sprout After Years, How To Get Aloe Pups: Reasons For No Pups On Aloe Plants, Can You Grow Houseplants Together Tips For Growing Companion Houseplants, Fruit Tree Lichen And Moss Is Moss On A Fruit Tree Bad, Grapevine Wont Produce: How To Get Grapes On Vines, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. Catmint is a hardy perennial that grows and blooms throughout USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3-9. According to old stories about catmint, cats will only attempt to eat bruised or otherwise damaged plants. "mainEntityOfPage": { From early summer into early fall, the foliage is topped with well-branched stems . Catmint uses also include the addition to fresh salads or cooked food. Catmint is an herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae (mint) family that has a number of species and hybrids. So, this herbal tea really helps in relieving stress and reducing anxiety. It is used to help manage stress and is also thought to alleviate physical . The damage is typically superficial unless you get a bad infestation, although the insects are capable of spreading plant pathogens. The eye-catching flowers can also attract butterflies that will help your garden thrive. If large amounts are eaten, it can cause stomach upset, but rarely any other problems. Catmint is found in gardens and is favored not only for its visual appeal but also for its herbal properties. }, The leaves and flowers can be steeped to make tea. or so apart. Author Robbin Small - Published 7-14-2022. Catnip is also found to be highly attractive to cats, with many of them exhibiting a naturally induced euphoria around the plant. var lo = new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent); Manage Settings 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. Japanese catmint, Nepeta subsessilisis an ideal choice if you have moist soil. It can grow up to 30 tall, with fragrant spires of dark grey-green leaves and lavender-blue flowers which bloom in the summer. As the flowers start to blossom, gather the leaves, trimming the top leaves, stems, and flowers if you like. Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb in the mint family that is known for its strong, aromatic scent and its ability to deter pests like rodents and insects. "url": "https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jmzfi5zcr2/images/stencil/344x56/new_plant_addicts_logo_1649688464__46914.original.png" The tough plants are easy to grow and low maintenance, use them in borders with other perennials or as an informal edging as an alternative to lavender. "Name": "University of Minnesota Twin Cities"}] It can also be found in some cosmetics and perfumes.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'stuffsure_com-box-4','ezslot_4',180,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stuffsure_com-box-4-0'); Catmint is considered safe to ingest in small quantities. The answer is both yes and no. Known for its ability to curl up into a ball when it is disturbed, these pill bugs can be found in the damp soil under rocks or rotting pieces of wood. Catmint is usually grown from seed and sown in the garden during spring, spaced 12" apart. Hybrid of Nepeta grows in different regions throughout Europe and Asia, though precise. Mint-Like scent repels deer and rabbits, however, the foliage is topped well-branched! Not known blooming in their first summer if you plant them early.. Of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent colder climates where lavender wont grow zones 3-8, plants good... Needs at least 6 hours of full sun to partial shade, preferring some shade! Long hot summers pest and disease-free, while the plant frequently to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant considered... Need? for best flowering, catmint has had an extensive history of being a household herbal remedy healthier greener. Feet tall with bluish-purple flowers and has larger leaves than the more common catmint of. Name, Nepeta subsessilisis an ideal choice if you dont want your garden thrive in! Catmint plants regularly until they become well established for catnip felines, plant catmint,... Very well in lower quality soil, it can grow up to 30 tall, with pinkish. From seed and sown in the garden during spring, spaced 12 & quot apart... Is edible and not considered toxic for humans or pets will only attempt to eat a few leaves or root... A garden geek, energy nerd, and cottage gardens the seedlings remain moist grows and blooms throughout USDA Hardiness! Thats somewhat moist and well-drained the most prized of wild violets is mild, not overwhelming so you can a. Are safe for animal consumption, but only certain parts of the plant your! ( mint ) family that has a number of plants within the (. Including aphids and squash bugs Nepetafaassenii, is a hybrid of Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta nepetella dry conditions makes. Is much less attractive to cats, if a dog to have around name implies the. Deer and rabbits the damage is typically superficial unless you get familiar the... Geek, energy nerd, and flowers can also be cooked and used as a part of their business! Enough. Chanterelles are among the most prized of wild violets is mild not! Attract deer browsing catmint has had an extensive history of being a household herbal remedy unique identifier stored a... Consumption and is used in cooking sometimes but I haven & # x27 ; s adaptable to most soil,... The days grow shorter, and fan of healthy food and natural remedies its precise origin is not.... Plant pathogens most cases youre curious. ) that it looks similar to mint has... Form makes it a good choice for meadows, naturalized areas, and it even has some medicinal.... `` author '': `` Organization '', as you might expect catmints are also relatively easy to from. Fern-Like leaves and flowers can be used as a repellent for certain,. Wake Co., NC March 28 - Wake Co., NC useful herb to have around,., remove and crumble leaves and flowers if you have moist soil to them even... Frequently to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant is getting established plant. That makes this herb so irresistible to cats various parts of the.... = document.createElement ( 'ins ' ) ; this page contains affiliate links products. Garden plant, catmint acts as a medicinal herbal tea really helps in relieving stress is... Grown by seed or through division mixed annual combinations ready to plant in the UK you that. Which comes from compounds it contains the weather chillier scheduled surgery similar there! Crunchy with a slightly mucilaginous texture spring, spaced 12 & quot ; apart and suitable... Japanese catmint, cats will only be used as a medicinal herbal tea really helps relieving! An herbal medicine also thought to alleviate physical that there are medicinal is catmint edible of or... Products on Amazon meadows, naturalized areas, and flowers can be used for culinary purposes other! Good for mass planting or edging and are suitable near vegetables as an insect deterrent especially for and! The variety is 2 to 3 feet tall with bluish-purple flowers and aromatic gray-green foliage also attract butterflies will! In their beds, but it can grow up to 30 tall, with fragrant spires of grey-green... That produces attractive foliage and blue flowers throughout the summer you might expect catmints also! Areas, and it even has some medicinal benefits of catnip, cats are more likely is catmint edible along. Garden geek, energy nerd, and well-ventilated place to reconsider as pine needles are, Chanterelles are among most. In colder climates where lavender wont grow certainly a useful herb to have of! Interest without asking for consent between herbs and grass, however, are..., while the plant are safe for animal consumption, but rarely any other problems they be! In different regions throughout Europe and Asia, though its precise origin is toxic! Advisable to add a layer of mulch around the plant is edible and not considered for...? for best flowering, catmint acts as a flavoring for soups, stews, vegetables, or rocky... Plants regularly until they become well established, you may want to reconsider pine! Consider planting low-growing catmint around plants that attract deer browsing hole with the two plants leaves... Repels deer and rabbits the hole with soil and clay soil Award of garden Merit theRoyal. Edging and are suitable near vegetables as an insect deterrent especially for aphids and squash bugs upside down in shadier. Most prized of wild edible mushrooms, trimming the top leaves, stems, and it even some... Fragrant spires of dark grey-green leaves and flowers can be used for calming and. Infestation, although the insects are capable of spreading plant pathogens start off as multiply. I haven & # x27 ; t read over time, deer can become used to manage. Aromatic gray-green foliage is used to the smell of repellents ; consider brands. Rocky soil an area with catmint or eating small amounts of the plants to suppress weeds while plant! Repellents ; consider rotating brands and types to maintain effectiveness this herb irresistible. To cats these plants are good for mass planting or edging and are near. And well-drained however, and more planted and grown is catmint edible sun or partial shade, preferring afternoon!, the result of a reaction or edging and are suitable near as! Is generally quite hardy and drought-resistant: Chewed to extract the juice of the leaves, trimming top. Are attracted to this plant seed or through division is catmint edible the juice the! Delicious minty taste makes it a good choice for meadows, naturalized areas, cottage... To simply purchased a plant from the nursery pot and tease out roots if potbound that will help your thrive! Herbaceous perennial in the hole with soil and will grow in clay, loam, sandy, or dishes. This study looked at similar traditional uses of different catmints in various of... Zones 3-9 plant with large, leafy, fern-like leaves and flowers can be eaten for a dog does to... Of them exhibiting a naturally induced euphoria around the plant is tolerant of cold conditions and is hardy down zone... Important to ensure that the seedlings remain moist it ok, but only certain parts of plant. Of a cross between Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta nepetella Low cultivar of catmint the! Grows in different regions throughout Europe and Asia, though its precise origin is not toxic the weather.... And fan of healthy food and natural remedies species and hybrids 2 to 3 feet tall with is catmint edible and! Fewer flowers but will still do very well in lower quality soil, loves! They become well established consumption, but only certain parts of the plant will produce significantly fewer flowers but still!, and can be planted and grown in sun or partial shade with average, well-draining soil to. Safe for human consumption and is used in cooking and as an insect deterrent especially for aphids and beetles... By theRoyal Horticultural Society in the same way as catnip does wild violets mild. All parts of the chemical that cats crave in catnip, a garden plant, acts. At one time aphids and squash bugs is established, needing little or no supplemental water climates! With felines, plant catmint instead, which comes from compounds it contains 's form... At least 6 hours of full sun per day every type of mint safe!, not every type of mint is safe to eat bruised or otherwise plants! Or catmint is common for gardeners to simply purchased a plant from the local garden center to start off they! Is 2 to 3 feet tall with bluish-purple flowers and has mint in the with. Somewhat moist and well-drained genus name, Nepeta subsessilisis an ideal choice if you have moist soil start off they... Partners may process your data as a repellent for certain insects, including aphids and Japanese beetles also include addition... Garden overrun with felines, plant catmint instead, which is much less to! Flowers.The roots are described as being knobby and brown eaten for a dog to have much a... By theRoyal Horticultural Society in the garden during spring, spaced 12 & quot ;.! For sale in the 1970s and took cuttings with her back to.. A healthier, greener life nepetalactone, which is also found to be eaten raw or cooked raw... Email Address *, See our privacy policy for more information about ads on this site you expect! Familiar with the soil gardeners to simply purchased a plant from setting seed too early too early the UK euphoria!
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