Catmint [Nepeta cataria]

Catmint is a perennial hardy tea, medicinal plant and bee pasture native to southern Europe. In Eurasia, the cat-loving plant is widespread and can be found in Europe at altitudes of up to 900 meters. Cats are especially crazy about this plant in the spring, which changes later in the year when the plant forms more essential oils. It develops characteristic small edible blue flowers that attract insects. It exudes a pleasant minty citrus scent that keeps mosquitoes away and has a mild taste. All parts of the plant can be used as a slightly soothing tea and can be mixed well with other herbs. The tea has a slightly sedative and hypnotic effect. The culture is straightforward and thrives on almost all soils.

General information
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Life Cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 120 cm
Root Type: Deep Root
Nutrient requirements: Weak Eaters
Water Requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to-15 °C
Location: Sunny
Floor: Persistent, sandy, stony, calcareous

PH: 6 to 7

Sowing and planting information
Germ Type: Light germ
Seed Depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 15-20 °C
Germination time: 7-28 days
Planting, row spacing: 35x40 cm

Optimal mixed culture: -
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Sow directly outdoors from February to July.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Sow directly outdoors from April to May. We recommend pre-cultivation in small bowls from March to April. The plants are separated into the bed from a height of approx. 8cm.

General
No-till sown is unfavorable due to the possible drying out or carrying away of small animals such as ants. Therefore, pre-cultivation often makes more sense. Plant mint seedlings or pre-cultivated plants in pots simply with enough space to each other directly in the field.
Catnip prefers a fully sunny location with permeable, dry to moist, sandy, stony and calcareous soil.

Additional tips
Cut the flower back immediately after the first flowering, then it blooms twice in the same year. Protect the plants from cats in the young stage, they can affect the small plants in growth, from which they always recover. Another option is sowing in large pots.

Type of propagation
Spread occurs via seeds or cuttings.

Care Plants
During long dry periods, it is advisable to give the plants additional water. Due to the initially slow growth of the plants, we recommend weeding the surrounding herbs regularly. M It animal manure prepared beds and planting in mixed culture, replaces additional fertilization.

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

Other Names
Botanical names: Nepeta cataria
English Names: Catmint, Catnip
German names: Echte Katzenminze, Katzenkraut, Katzenmelisse, Steinmelisse
Portuguese names: Menta de gato
Spanish Names: Hierba gatera, Hierba gatuna
French names: Herbe à chat, Cataire