A member of the Mint family, Catnip is perennial, strong smelling, aromatic herb. It has clusters of white or purplish-blue flowers atop toothy, heart shaped leaves. There is also an uncommon yellow variety. The leaves have a lemon-mint flavor and scent. As with all members of the mint family Catnip is an invasive herb that can quickly take over a garden if left unchecked.

Ideal Site- Catnip prefers a sunny open site with average well-drained soil. Prior to planting prepare the site with a low-fertility soil improver if unimproved by a previous crop. If growing in an herb with other plants you may wish to section off the catnip with edging to prevent this herb from spreading too much. Catnip can be grown in containers.

Cultivation- It is best to grow Catnip plants from seed. After the danger of frost has past, sow seeds into your garden in the spring. Cover loosely with soil. When plants reach 2-3in/5-7.5cm tall thin plants to 20in/50cm apart. Once established; the plants will quickly fill in the space. Catnip can also be propagated by division. This should be done in spring or fall. The plant can grow to 3ft/1m tall

Plant Care- Keep young plants well watered. Catnip self seeds very quickly, shear back to prevent unwanted seedlings. After the plants have grown about 6in/15cm, trim back the shoots to promote bushy growth. It will first bloom in mid summer. After harvest, trim back the plants again. It is sometimes possible to get three harvests in a season.
 

Harvest- leaves as the flowers begin to bloom. Cut off the top leaves, stems and flowers. They can be used fresh, dried, or frozen. Spread leaves out to dry in a cool and ventilated area.

Uses- Catnip is primarily used for cats. The oil is often rubbed on cat toys that they seem to love. Because they behave with catnip as  if they were in heat it is believed the  main component of the volatle oil , nepaetalacrone, resembles a feline sexual pheromone.

Catnip seems to have the opposite affect on humans which is considered calming. The lemon scented leaves are also used for teas and for flavoring in cooking.

Medicinal Uses- Catnip is used for colds and flu symptoms.