Nepeta spp.
Nepeta is a genus of flowering perennials within the mint household, together with common herbs resembling catnip and Faassen’s catmint.
Many characteristic enticing fragrant foliage and lengthy blooming flowers that pollinators love.
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What’s extra, with only a few pests or different points to fret about, these hardy perennials are extremely simple to develop!
Proceed on to be taught all about rising catmint crops.
What Is Catmint?
The Nepeta genus contains 250 species of herbaceous perennials in addition to just a few annuals, with about 20 of those species and cultivars at the moment in cultivation.
They’re usually discovered within the wild rising in dry, sunny areas, usually in dry rocky soils in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9.
Species on this genus are drought resistant, requiring considerably much less water than another mints.
The genus incorporates a number of generally grown species, most of which have fragrant heart-shaped inexperienced to gray-green foliage with reverse leaves, sq. stems, and small tubular flowers in shades of lavender, white, pink, or blue that bloom from spring via fall.
Some common ones embody catnip (Nepeta cataria), Persian catmint (N. mussinii), and Faassen’s catmint (N x faassenii).
Although to make issues complicated, the frequent names “catnip” and “catmint” are used to seek advice from a number of species.
N. cataria, generally referred to as catnip, catwort, or catmint, is a standard medicinal herb and the one we sometimes use to intoxicate our cats, although others within the genus could also be enticing to felines as nicely.
It has a little bit of a weedier look than another species.
N. racemosa (aka N. mussinii) can also be known as catmint, dwarf catnip, or raceme catnip.
A decrease rising perennial with lilac-colored flowers, it’s usually grown as a border or floor cowl in flower beds.
N. x faassenii, an N. racemosa hybrid also called Faassen’s catmint, is a compact mounding hybrid with small however enticing lavender flowers. It is usually grown primarily for its decorative worth.
You’ll be able to be taught extra about how one can develop Faassen’s catmint in our information.
Cultivation and Historical past
Species on this genus might be traced to Europe, Asia, and Africa, and lots of have naturalized in North America and all through the world. N. cataria was first dropped at North America within the 1800s by settlers who used it as a culinary herb.
Many Nepeta species are cultivated as ornamentals, for meals, medication, and naturally, for cats!
These crops have lengthy been used as natural cures in lots of traditions, usually given as tea to kids affected by colic, stress, fever, or tummy aches.
Today, catnip tea is often offered by natural firms who promote it as a chilled digestive assist, amongst different makes use of.
Vegetation additionally comprise a compound known as nepetalactone, a risky oil that provokes a neurological response in cats, inflicting them to go quickly nuts.
Propagation
Nepeta crops develop and unfold simply, and are very simple to propagate in quite a lot of alternative ways.
From Seed
You can begin seeds indoors 4 to eight weeks earlier than the final frost. Fill three- or four-inch pots with potting combine and press seeds into the soil, barely masking.
Preserve moist till seedlings seem in two to a few weeks after which place the pots underneath shiny mild till they develop no less than two units of true leaves.
It’s also possible to direct sow seeds outdoors earlier than the primary frost of fall or in spring after final frost.
You’ll be able to enhance germination by chilly stratifying seeds within the freezer in a single day after which soaking them in water for 12 to 24 hours previous to planting.
Put together a backyard mattress or container with backyard soil combined with an inch of natural matter. Sprinkle seeds on prime, barely masking since mild aids germination for these crops.
Water frivolously and maintain moist till sprouts seem, in two to a few weeks. Skinny seedlings to about 18 inches aside.
You will need to be aware that not all nepeta species might be began from seed. Some, resembling Faassen’s catmint, are sterile and might solely be propagated by division or from cuttings. Happily, that is simple to do.
By Division
In case you have established crops obtainable, divisions are in all probability the simplest and quickest technique of propagating new crops and these might be taken at any time in the course of the rising season, although it’s finest to keep away from dividing crops within the warmth of summer season.
Discover a part of a longtime plant with a wholesome and mature root system, slice vertically with a backyard spade to chop it away from the remainder of the plant, and thoroughly dig it up.
It’s also possible to dig up the whole plant, divide it into chunks, after which replant every part straight into the backyard or in containers.
Water after replanting and proceed to water repeatedly till established.
You’ll be able to be taught extra about how one can divide perennials in our information.
From Cuttings
When new development seems within the spring, you’ll be able to choose the highest three to 4 inches of a stem and reduce at an angle just under a leaf node. Take away the decrease leaves from the slicing, leaving the highest two to 4 intact.
To root cuttings in soil, stick the reduce finish right into a four-inch container stuffed with potting combine and set it in a heat location that receives oblique or filtered mild. Water repeatedly till new development seems.
This could occur inside just a few weeks, and serves as a superb signal that the slicing has rooted. At this level, it may be transplanted into its everlasting location within the backyard, or repotted to a bigger container.
Cuttings may also be stood up in a glass stuffed with a pair inches of cool water to root, set in oblique mild.
The water ought to be deep sufficient to cowl no less than a few leaf nodes, although it is best to keep away from submerging any of the intact leaves. Refresh the water each couple of days and roots ought to seem in every week or much less.
At this level you’ll be able to transplant them right into a four-inch pot stuffed with sterile potting combine. Water repeatedly and supply filtered mild till new development seems, then replant as described above.
From Seedlings/Transplanting
Earlier than planting seedlings out within the backyard, you’ll be able to harden them off by transferring them for brief intervals to a sheltered location outdoors.
Every day for every week, slowly improve the size of time they spend outdoors.
After the specter of frost has handed, plant out within the backyard in holes dug to the depth of the roots, spacing crops 18 inches aside.
Find out how to Develop
Most species can tolerate a spread of soil sorts, together with sandy and rocky soils. Simply ensure the soil is nicely draining with a pH between 5.0 and seven.5.
Discover a location in full solar and work about an inch of compost into the soil. Whereas this isn’t completely required, crops do are typically bushier in soil that’s extra fertile.
If planting multiples, area about 18 inches aside.
It is usually price noting that some Nepeta species can unfold aggressively. You’ll be able to keep away from this by planting in containers or raised beds.
Water nicely at planting time, and proceed to offer about an inch of water every week for the primary season. Established crops are drought tolerant and can solely want water often, if it hasn’t rained for a number of weeks.
Make sure to keep away from overwatering. These crops don’t tolerate moist ft!
Including a pair inches of shredded bark, leaves, or straw mulch across the base of crops every season is an effective means to assist keep soil moisture and enhance drainage.
Mulch additionally helps regulate soil temperature and suppresses weeds.
Rising Suggestions
- Plant in nicely draining soil with a pH between 5.0 and seven.5.
- Amend soil with an inch of compost to extend vigor.
- Area crops 18 inches aside.
- Present an inch of water per week the primary season. Established crops are drought tolerant.
- Mulch across the base to enhance drainage and regulate soil temperature.
Pruning and Upkeep
Nepeta crops start blooming in early summer season and lots of species flower repeatedly all through the season.
You’ll be able to deadhead or reduce crops to maintain them from changing into floppy and promote a fuller second bloom.
Trim foliage again considerably after flowering, eradicating a couple of third of the leaves.
If crops are spreading an excessive amount of, dividing crops every season as described above will assist to maintain them in verify. You’ll be able to replant divided sections or give them to a pal.
Species and Cultivars to Choose
There are many similarities between the totally different Nepeta species and cultivars, although there are just a few helpful distinctions to notice when selecting which of them to develop.
Nepeta cataria
In case you are within the conventional medicinal herb we consider as catnip, N. cataria is the one you need.
This plant has lengthy stalks with giant, coarsely toothed, fuzzy leaves and small white, purple, or pink flowers in dense whorls.
N. cataria
The dried herb has a mint-like aroma and makes a scrumptious tea. It is usually the proper filler for a cat toy.
You could find N. cataria seeds obtainable from True Leaf Market.
Nepeta mussinii
N. mussinii is a compact mounding decorative that grows as much as a foot in top, with gray-green foliage and clusters of half-inch lavender blue flowers that appeal to bees and butterflies.
N. mussinii
You could find heirloom seeds obtainable at Eden Brothers.
Nepeta x faassenii ‘Walker’s Low’
This common N. x faassenii cultivar options erect spikes of trumpet-shaped lavender blue flowers that bloom all via summer season and into fall, in addition to dusty gray-green aromatic foliage.
This two to three-foot hardy perennial is ideal for cascading over a wall or rocks, and is a bit much less sprawling then another nepeta varieties.
‘Walker’s Low’
Seeds of this cultivar are sterile, however you should purchase one- to two-year-old crops from Nature Hills Nursery.
Nepeta nervosa ‘Blue Moon’
This showy cultivar of the lesser recognized N. nervosa is ideal for sunny borders or in combined container plantings, because it grows in low, dense clumps and tolerates warmth nicely.
‘Blue Moon’
It has giant spikes of lavender flowers with only a tinge of white on the lips.
Seeds are obtainable from True Leaf Market.
Managing Pests and Illness
Happily, there should not too many vital points with pests and illness for these crops.
In truth, nepetalactone, the compound they produce that pulls cats, has additionally been discovered to repel sure forms of bugs.
The important oils in catmints are repellent to many frequent backyard pests, resembling cabbage loopers, squash bugs, and flea beetles.
Cats
If cats frequent your backyard, you might need to contemplate cat-proofing your crops with a wire fence.
I just lately planted some catmint in a sneaky spot out of the way in which the place I assumed my cat absolutely wouldn’t discover it.
After all, the joke was on me! She discovered it immediately and proceeded to right away roll round in it.
Bugs and Gastropods
Vegetation can nonetheless expertise occasional visits from pests, and it’s good to pay attention to the indicators of those in case you do have an issue.
Slugs can generally be attracted to bigger leafed species, particularly in the course of the springtime. When you discover slugs lurking in your crops, you’ll be able to handpick them within the night, particularly after moist climate.
It’s also possible to attempt baiting them with beer traps. Simply fill a shallow cup with beer and sink it right into a gap within the soil. The slugs will probably be drawn to the beer and fall in.
Spider mites could seem as tiny black dots on the foliage, inflicting affected leaves to turn out to be yellow and dry.
Whiteflies and aphids can doubtlessly congregate on leaves and suck the sap from crops. Each of those pests secrete a sticky substance known as honeydew, which might trigger sooty mildew to develop.
A robust stream of water might be sprayed on crops to take away these pests. If the issue is critical, you too can spray an insecticidal cleaning soap on the leaves each couple of days till the infestation subsides.
Illness
Preserve an eye fixed out for just a few bacterial and fungal ailments that may have an effect on nepeta crops as nicely.
Bacterial leaf spot, attributable to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas, can affect crops throughout cool, moist climate. Chances are you’ll discover yellow ringed spots with purple facilities on foliage, and disfigured flowers.
Splashing water can unfold this illness, so keep away from dealing with crops after they’re moist and restrict overhead watering. Take away contaminated foliage, and in extreme instances, take away and get rid of contaminated crops.
Attributable to the Cercospora species of fungi, leaves with blight could develop small spots surrounded by yellow halos that brown over time, ultimately inflicting foliage to wilt and drop. Contaminated crops ought to be eliminated and destroyed.
All the time rotate crops when you can, and keep away from planting catmint in locations which have had points with blight prior to now.
Attributable to quite a lot of totally different pathogens, root rot could cause roots to melt and darken, in the end inflicting stems to weaken, and crops to die.
There isn’t a great way to deal with root rot, however you’ll be able to tremendously scale back danger by planting in a location with good drainage. Take away and get rid of contaminated crops.
Septoria leaf spot is a fungal illness attributable to Septoria lycopersici. Throughout very moist climate, round spots with darkish edges and grey facilities could seem on older leaves, ultimately inflicting leaf drop.
Keep away from dealing with crops when they’re moist, maintain weeds down, and take away and get rid of contaminated foliage.
Harvesting and Preserving
Most Nepeta species are edible. Mostly, leaves and flowers can be utilized contemporary or dried to make tea.
To reap, choose the leaves and flowers whereas crops are blooming throughout midsummer.
You’ll be able to harvest the leaves anytime as soon as the plant is no less than six inches tall, although they turn out to be extra flavorful when the plant blooms, because the focus of oils is the best throughout this time.
The most effective time to select is late within the day, after the dew has dried. The best technique to harvest the leaves is by slicing the highest third of every stem.
You’ll be able to take a big harvest all of sudden, slicing as much as a 3rd of every plant, or choose small quantities as wanted.
You’ll be able to dry the leaves and flowers to have obtainable for tea afterward, or if you’re rising N. cataria, maybe to make catnip toys on your cats!
The best technique to dry your harvest is by hanging stems in bundles in a darkish, dry place till the leaves might be crumbled and fall from the stems simply.
You’ll be able to retailer the dried leaves and flowers in tighty lidded glass jars in a darkish cabinet.
Discover extra recommendations on drying contemporary herbs right here.
Greatest Makes use of
These long-blooming fragrant perennials are good for combined plantings. The smaller mounding varieties particularly make for good borders alongside perennial flower beds, and companion crops with roses.
It’s also possible to contemplate planting them with annual greens, as they appeal to pollinators and are helpful for protecting bugs out of the backyard.
They’ll simply be grown in containers on the balcony or porch as nicely. These crops have a pleasant form for rising in pots, and might even be introduced indoors throughout winter.
Container planting can also be a good suggestion if you’re involved with aggressive spreading.
Fast Reference Rising Information
Plant Kind: | Herbaceous perennial | Tolerance: | Drought, frost |
Native to: | Europe, Africa, Asia | Upkeep | Low |
Hardiness (USDA Zone): | 3-9 | Soil Kind: | Common |
Bloom Time: | Spring-fall | Soil pH: | 5.0-7.5 |
Publicity: | Full solar | Soil Drainage: | Effectively-draining |
Spacing: | 18 inches | Attracts: | Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds |
Planting Depth: | Floor sow (seeds), depth of rootball (transplants) | Companion Planting: | Collard greens, hyssop, lavender, potatoes, roses, squash |
Peak: | 2-4 ft | Makes use of: | Combined plantings, borders, containers |
Unfold: | 4 ft | Household: | Lamiaceae |
Water Wants: | Reasonable to low | Genus: | Nepeta |
Widespread Pests and Illness: | Aphids, slugs, spider mites, whiteflies; Bacterial leaf spot, blight, root rot, septoria leaf spot | Species: | Cataria, faassenii, mussinii (racemosa), nervosa |
Virtually Too Simple
Personally, I can’t consider something a lot better than an fragrant flowering perennial that each repels pests and attracts pollinators, all whereas offering magnificence and medication.
To not point out hours of leisure for my cats!
With so many makes use of, the easy-to-grow crops on this genus are an apparent alternative.
What Nepeta species do you develop in your backyard? Share your favorites within the feedback beneath!
To be taught extra about rising different mint household crops, try the next articles subsequent: