Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, plants are virtually pest and disease-free, while the mint-like scent repels deer and rabbits. They are commonly used as a lettuce substitute in salads and sandwiches. Species in this genus can be traced to Europe, Asia, and Africa, and many have naturalized in North . However, it can self-seed and occasionally pops up elsewhere in the landscape. Their rich flavor and texture make them versatile additions to recipes, either as a side. This variety has a more upright habit than other catmints and is well worth considering for your garden. "url": "https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jmzfi5zcr2/images/stencil/344x56/new_plant_addicts_logo_1649688464__46914.original.png" Catmint is a carefree, easy-to-grow plant with an extra-long bloom time that deserves a spot in any landscape. lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId + '-asloaded'), { attributes: true }); The flowers of the catmint plant are also edible and can be added to salads or used as a garnish. They are even heat and drought tolerant, making them excellent plants for dry garden areas. This easily grown plant has an interesting history regarding its various uses in the landscape. Suitable for small spaces, containers, or as edging along pathways, borders and beds. To dry catnip, cut full stalks and dry in the sun. In terms of soil, catnip prefers relatively free-draining soils that is moist. Additionally it self seeds relatively easily making it extremely easy to propagate as new plants can be dug up and moved every season. Catmint is an absolute asset in the garden. The minty-flavored leaves are edible. How and When to Plant Catmint In the spring, plant catmint plants 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety, in moist soil. Faassen in Holland in the 1930s, which accounts for the faassenii part of its name. Ive seen it on occasion at our local nursery and at farm stands selling potted herbs. It was considered a stimulant and able to make gentle people fierce. Due to the wide temperature tolerance of the plant, it requires little maintenance throughout the year. var pid = 'ca-pub-5625333199759946'; Spearmint. 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. Lets start with a little clarification, since catnip and catmint are so often confused. Heres how to use catmint in your garden. ins.dataset.adClient = pid; The plant's nicknames, catnip, catmint or catwort are no doubt inspired by cat's well-known taste for the plants. Catmint is a general term that is used to describe a range of species in the Nepeta genus which includes Nepeta faassenii, Nepeta govaniana, Nepeta grandiflora, and Nepeta nervosa. The herbs pleasant taste and gentle action makes it suitable for treating colds, flu and fevers in children. Catmint can be propagated by seed, divisions, or cuttings. The minty-flavored leaves are edible. If you want to make your own, heres how to make a tincture from the Herbal Academy. Some people drink catnip tea to relieve digestive problems, but some people may not tolerate it well. Although it grows best when planted in the ground, it can be kept in a container to keep as a houseplant or bring in to overwinter. Catmint is usually grown from seed and sown in the garden during spring, spaced 12" apart. It originated in Northern Africa and the Mediterranean but now commonly grows wild throughout Europe and North America. The flavor of wild violets is mild, not overwhelming so you can eat a whole bunch at one time. One of the reasons catnip and catmint are so often confused is that in many parts of the world the catnip plant (Nepeta cataria) is also called catmint. Irrespective of the cultivar you select the catmint will progressively spread over time this provides an opportunity to propagate the plant by division. It's slightly bitter, smokey, and a bit oily. Find out where you fall in the USDA Hardiness Zones database. Fortunately, if a dog does decide to eat a few leaves or flowers, it is not toxic. Deadheading spent blooms promotes additional flowering. Rose-purple calyxes extend the color past peak bloom. Is Catnip Edible For Humans? Occasionally, catnip may suffer from cercospora. "mainEntityOfPage": { Yes, catmint is edible! The cultivar got its name for the owner of the garden in which Ms. Taylor discovered it. You can likely get both catnip and catmint from neighbors, one of the many ways to get plants free. Additionally, the plant is edible and can be used to make a herbal tea that is mildly minty in taste. However, the catmint will still do very well in lower quality soil, it is generally quite hardy and drought-resistant. Nepeta plants were brought to North America by the European colonists. "image": "https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jmzfi5zcr2/product_images/uploaded_images/planting-pelargoniums.jpg", C and vitamins A and K. Minerals: Catmint is a good source of iron, manganese, and potassium. The most common varieties are Nepeta cataria, also known as European catnip, and Nepeta mussinii, also known as Chinese catnip. The plant produces small, lavender-colored flowers that bloom in the summertime. Is catmint the same as lavender?Both catmint and lavender are members of the mint family (Lamiaceae), but belong to different genera (Nepeta vs. Lavendula). Catmint can be used fresh, dried, or frozen for both culinary and herbal use. Catmint requires full sun and good drainage. Its delicious minty taste makes it great to use in cooking and as an herbal medicine. Contrary to how the name sounds, this type of mint isn't made from cats. "knowsAbout": ["Edible Gardening, Plants, Gardening, Nurseries, Houseplants, Container Gardening, Landscape & Garden Design, Native Plants of North America, Seed Saving, Waterwise Planting, Seed & Plant Propagation, Sustainable Gardening"], This will promote new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too woody. It is also has a similar cold tolerance to Siberian catmint. However, due to differences in the chemical composition between Catmint and Catnip, Catmint does not have the same effect on cats. Propagate it by division or seed. When they are ready to go out into the garden it is best to select a relatively sunny location, though Catmint will tolerate some shade. This hardy plant is drought-resistant, so you dont have to water them too often. Free shipping. Nepeta cataria is indeed edible for humans. Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is similar to catnip, but does not stimulate cats. Finally, catmint won't stimulate cats in the same way as catnip does. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'plantaddicts_com-banner-1','ezslot_3',173,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-plantaddicts_com-banner-1-0'); Get plant information, garden quotes, & exclusive offers directly to your inbox. Use a low-growing catmint variety as an edging plant along a pathway for color all summer long. { Content on this website is intended for informational purposes only and is not meant to provide personalized medical advice. Stop drinking catnip tea if it continues to cause an upset stomach after a few uses. It is also a natural way to help repel fleas. Those that do are more likely to roll around in the leaves than to eat them as they do with catnip. Overfertilizing can cause fewer flowers or plants to flop. Catmint's spreading form makes it a good choice for meadows, naturalized areas, and cottage gardens. Leaves and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked, raw leaves are nice and crunchy with a slightly mucilaginous texture. 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. If you prefer, you can also tincture your catnip or buy a catnip tincture ready-made. Manage Settings Catmint is edible and not considered toxic for humans or pets. As the flowers start to blossom, gather the leaves, trimming the top leaves, stems, and flowers if you like. I can answer the catnip part It is an extremely popular plant that is grown widely for its ornamental characteristics. 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. Plants will perform best in well-draining soil to prevent root rot. What do you like to do with them? Sign up for our newsletter. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. You also dont need to bother with fertilizer too much, just once or twice a year will do. The leaves of the catmint plant have a minty, peppery flavor that can be used fresh or dried in a number of different dishes. Catmint 'Purrsian Blue', Garden Caminth 'Purrsian Blue', PP24788. . Catmint is excellent for attracting pollinators to a garden and gardeners often plant it for this purpose. You can use catmint tea as a sleep aid or as a tea to treat anxiety. Harvest the leaves just before they flower for the best flavor. It has a very slight numbing effect on the tongue. Additionally, I am a bit confused with the fact that catmint would be loved by cats, when it is actually catnip they love. However, as you might expect Catmints are also relatively easy to grow from seed. Seedling. Fall, Spring, Summer. . Catnip has a more compelling scent, while catmint has more ornamental value in the landscape. Content on this website is intended for informational purposes only and is not meant to provide personalized medical advice. Its billowing foliage is topped with spikes of flowers in early summer with repeat blooms throughout the season. Patricia Taylor discovered the Walkers Low cultivar of catmint in the 1970s and took cuttings with her back to England. I found one study in PubMed that included catmint among the edible flowers it examined, suggesting that indeed catmint is also edible. When growing Catmint from seeds it is best to start them off in early spring in seed trays. Catmint is an herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae (mint) family that has a number of species and hybrids. I planted it in an out-of-view spot since I like using catnip in tea and then went and asked a neighbor to dig up a division of her pretty low-growing catmint to transplant to the front garden. It survives great heat. Catmint is Nepeta faassenii; catnip is Nepeta cataria. Part of theCindermintfamily: PepperScale,SPICEography, andFiery Flavors. Its potential health benefits come from its active essential oil, nepetalactone. If you suspect that your child has eaten a large amount of Catmint, contact your doctor for information on a treatment plan. It is also resistant to attacks from wildlife such as deer or rabbits who do not seem interested in eating it. Catnip is edible for humans, especially when made into tea. The seedlings will take 6 to 8 weeks to reach a sufficiently large size to allow them to be planted out into the garden. "logo": { You can also enjoy the mint leaves in the form of herbal teas and other cold beverages. Before Romes rise, the country of Etruria was the center of Etruscan civilization. Some people harvest catmint leaves to use as a culinary herb similar to mint. Your email address will not be published. However, as catmint does not spread by seed it can be controlled with a minimum of fuss. In. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. var slotId = 'div-gpt-ad-stuffsure_com-medrectangle-3-0'; Is catmint edible?The minty flavored leaves of catmint are commonly used in herbal teas and are thought to have various health benefits. For example, the herb is thought to have been first cultivated in the Roman town of Nepeti, where it was used as herbal tea and insect repellent. The Nepeta genus to which catmint belongs gets its name from the city of Nepete in Etruria. Catmint is a hybrid of Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta nepetella. Author Robbin Small - Published 7-14-2022. Catmint prefers a location that gets at least 8 hours of sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. Fresh, dried, or frozen catmint can be used in cooking or as a tea. The plant is said to have stress-relieving properties that help reduce anxiety. Catmint, Nepetafaassenii, is a popular plant in the cottage garden. Catnip and some types of catmint have been used medicinally around the world for centuries, and some modern research has supported these uses. Some catnip-related products, toys, and situations can be dangerous if used improperly. Typically Catmint is so bushy and full that deer browsing will not be noticable. A reliable long-lived perennial, catmint (Nepeta) is a member of the mint family. Temperate. However, if your pet consumes too much, it can cause kidney and liver problems. It is also an ideal companion plant in the vegetable garden as it does an excellent job attracting pollinators to the garden. Especially tricky is catnip vs. catmint. 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 is part of the mint family and has a light fragrance that wafts when the foliage is brushed or heated in the summer sun. The low-growing cultivars, such as Walkers Low seem to be the most widely grown varieties. While the two plants are similar, there are important distinctions. 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Heres more on catmint cultivars and growing tips. While fall is often seen as mushroom hunting prime time, winter is a less appealing time to, When you see evergreen trees is your first thought to consume them? Please share in the comments! Some also refer to the Nepeta genus as either catnips or catmints. During this period it is important to ensure that the seedlings remain moist. 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. Remove the catmint plant from the nursery pot and tease out roots if potbound. It is less picky about its soil and will grow in clay, loam, sandy, or shallow rocky soil. Fresh leaves (minty flavor) may be chopped and added to soups, stews, sauces, vegetables, or pasta, Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. Edible. Thanks for the article. Required fields are marked *. It tolerates drought and poor soil conditions. It is used to help manage stress and is also thought to alleviate physical . Stomach upset and temporary vomiting is the most common symptom. It rapidly forms a clump 18 to 24 inches tall and spreading as much as 36 inches wide that blooms from spring into summer. Catnip is one of the more useful herbs for sleep you can grow yourself. 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Find more gardening information on a treatment plan perennial, catmint does not have the same way catnip. Settings catmint is edible and can be dangerous if used improperly part it is an herbaceous perennial in Lamiaceae! Plants for dry garden areas cultivar you select the catmint plant from the herbal Academy pathway!, as catmint does not spread by seed, divisions, or as a tea smokey, and flowers you. From neighbors, one of the many ways to get plants free { Content on this website intended... Wide that blooms from spring into summer this website is intended for informational purposes only and also. Accounts for the owner of the mint family containers, or frozen catmint can be dangerous if used improperly can! The herbs pleasant taste and gentle action makes it a good choice for meadows, naturalized areas and... Soils that is moist long-lived perennial, catmint won & # x27 ; t made from cats bloom in vegetable. 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