Catmint
Nepeta cataria
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. 18C4 — Nepeta cataria
Nepeta catariaNepeta catariaNepeta catariaNepeta catariaNepeta catariaNepeta catariaNepeta catariaNepeta catariaNepeta catariaNepeta catariaNepeta catariaNepeta catariaNepeta catariaNepeta cataria
IOverview
Overview
Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb native to Morocco and cultivated in gardens around the world for its ornamental and practical uses. This hardy plant thrives in light or medium soil that is dry to moist, with a pH range of 7–7.5, making it adaptable to various conditions. Catmint's leaves are edible and can be used fresh or dried, though they are most commonly known for their traditional use in promoting better sleep. A gentle remedy, catnip warm infusion has been traditionally recommended for children and adults experiencing restlessness. The plant reaches a height of 1 meter and spreads to about 0.3 meters, featuring a forb/herb habit that distinguishes it from other garden plants. Its light requirements and hardiness range of zones 3-7 make it suitable for gardens in temperate climates.
Quick answers
What is Catmint?
Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb native to Morocco and cultivated in gardens around the world for its ornamental and practical uses. This hardy plant thrives in light or medium soil that is dry to moist, with a pH range of 7–7.5, making it adaptable to various conditions.
What is Catmint used for?
Traditionally used for better sleep. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Catmint
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional use: catnip warm infusion for children + restless adults. Surprising gentle effect.
Nepetalactone on opioid receptors
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Catmint thrives in light to moderately dry conditions and prefers well-draining soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5. It is hardy in temperate regions, typically zones 3-7. This perennial plant requires full sun to partial shade and should be watered sparingly once established. Catmint can spread quickly, so it's best to propagate via division or from seed in spring. Harvest its edible leaves for culinary use.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
3-7
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m × 0.3 m
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Catmint for the first time
8steps
Start with easy-to-grow catmint for a successful beginner’s garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Catmint seeds or seedlings, small pots if starting indoors.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7–7.5, about 10-12 inches deep for seeds.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1/4 inch deep; space seedlings 30 cm apart in the garden.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy, about once a week.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering. Deadhead flowers for continuous blooming.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in early spring to encourage bushy growth; cut back after flowering if needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Condiment, Tea
Other uses:Essential OilHerbicideFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe10 regions
native (10)AlbaniaBelarusBulgariaFranceGreeceItalyPortugalRussiaSpainUkraine
Asia9 regions
native (9)AfghanistanChinaIranIraqJapanKazakhstanNepalPakistanSouth Korea
Africa1 region
native (1)Morocco
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Kirgizstan, Altay, Lebanon-Syria
VIIIGarden companions
11 pairs
Garden companions
11 pairsPlant near these
These plants help — by repelling pests, fixing nitrogen, attracting pollinators, or sharing space well.
Wild Cabbage
Brassica oleracea
Pest repellent
Catmint is traditionally used to deter flea beetles and aphids; keep it managed.
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Pollinator-friendly
Lower-confidence herb guild pairing: overlapping bloom windows increase beneficial-insect habitat in medicinal herb beds.
Pot marigold
Calendula officinalis
Pollinator-friendly
Lower-confidence herb guild pairing: overlapping bloom windows increase beneficial-insect habitat in medicinal herb beds.
Fagopyrum esculentum
Fagopyrum esculentum
Pollinator-friendly
Lower-confidence herb guild pairing: overlapping bloom windows increase beneficial-insect habitat in medicinal herb beds.
White Clover
Trifolium repens
Living mulch
Lower-confidence herb guild pairing: low living mulches protect soil around taller perennial herbs when kept from crowding crowns.
Red currant
Ribes rubrum
Pest repellent
Lower-confidence berry guild pairing: aromatic companions can help confuse aphids and browsing pests at bed edges.
Northern Highbush Blueberry
Vaccinium corymbosum
Pest repellent
Lower-confidence berry guild pairing: aromatic companions can help confuse aphids and browsing pests at bed edges.
Red raspberry
Rubus idaeus
Pest repellent
Lower-confidence berry guild pairing: aromatic companions can help confuse aphids and browsing pests at bed edges.
Wild Strawberry
Fragaria vesca
Pest repellent
Lower-confidence berry guild pairing: aromatic companions can help confuse aphids and browsing pests at bed edges.
Strawberry
Fragaria × ananassa
Pest repellent
Lower-confidence berry guild pairing: aromatic companions can help confuse aphids and browsing pests at bed edges.
Black currant
Ribes nigrum
Pest repellent
Lower-confidence berry guild pairing: aromatic companions can help confuse aphids and browsing pests at bed edges.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 18c492e6-c70f-4ea5-8f62-83b71fb8dbed
Decision aid
Choosing between Catmint and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.