White CatnipWHITE CATNIP, organic seed

Nepeta cataria

Description

• Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family).
• Leaves: Heart-shaped, grayish-green, and covered with fine hairs.
• Flowers: White to pale purple, often with purple speckles. Blooms from mid-summer to late autumn.
• Height: 40–100 cm (16–40 inches).
• Aroma: Lemon-like scent, which is particularly attractive to cats

Growing Conditions

Light

• Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.

Soil

• Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil.
• Can tolerate sandy or dry soil.
• Optimal pH: 6.0–7.5.

Planting

• Seeds: Sow directly outdoors in spring or start indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
• Sowing depth: About 0.5 cm (¼ inch).
• Spacing: Space plants 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) apart to allow for spreading.
• Propagation: Can also be propagated by cuttings or by dividing root clumps.

Watering

• Drought-tolerant once established, requiring moderate watering. Avoid waterlogged soil, as it can lead to root rot.

Fertilizing

• Fertilizer is generally unnecessary, but compost or a balanced fertilizer can be added to poor soil.

Care

• Catnip self-seeds easily, so to control spread, trim back spent flowers before they go to seed.
• Pruning after the first bloom encourages denser growth and additional flowering.
  
   

  White Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

  White Catnip, also known simply as Catnip or Catmint, is a versatile herb valued for its uses in gardening, as a medicinal plant, and as a favorite treat for cats.

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  Description

• Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family).
• Leaves: Heart-shaped, grayish-green, and covered with fine hairs.
• Flowers: White to pale purple, often with purple speckles. Blooms from mid-summer to late autumn.
• Height: 40–100 cm (16–40 inches).
• Aroma: Lemon-like scent, which is particularly attractive to cats.

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  Growing Conditions

  Light

• Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.

• Soil

• Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil.
• Can tolerate sandy or dry soil.
• Optimal pH: 6.0–7.5.

• Planting

• Seeds: Sow directly outdoors in spring or start indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
• Sowing depth: About 0.5 cm (¼ inch).
• Spacing: Space plants 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) apart to allow for spreading.
• Propagation: Can also be propagated by cuttings or by dividing root clumps.

• Watering

• Drought-tolerant once established, requiring moderate watering. Avoid waterlogged soil, as it can lead to root rot.

• Fertilizing

• Fertilizer is generally unnecessary, but compost or a balanced fertilizer can be added to poor soil.

• Care

• Catnip self-seeds easily, so to control spread, trim back spent flowers before they go to seed.
• Pruning after the first bloom encourages denser growth and additional flowering.
• Uses

• For Cats:

  • Contains nepetalactone, a compound that induces playful or relaxed behavior in cats.
  • Commonly used in cat toys, dried mixes, or as a fresh treat.

• As a Medicinal Herb:

  • Known for its calming effects – often brewed into tea to relieve insomnia, anxiety, and digestive issues.
  • Offers anti-inflammatory and sweat-inducing properties.

• In Gardening:

  • Attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees.
  • Works as a decorative ground cover or border plant in gardens.

• Natural Pest Repellent:

  • Repels pests like mosquitoes and aphids when planted near vegetables or other crops.