Japanese Catnip (Schizonepeta tenuifolia), also known as Jing Jie, is an aromatic herb native to East Asia. Known for its striking purple flowers and unique fragrance, this herb has both culinary and medicinal uses, particularly in traditional Eastern medicine. Japanese Catnip is a versatile and hardy plant, offering not only a visually appealing addition to herb gardens but also potential health benefits. Whether you’re growing it for its ornamental beauty, as a culinary herb, or for its therapeutic properties, these seeds will allow you to cultivate this exceptional herb in your garden.

Key Features:

• Purple Flowers: This herb features beautiful clusters of small purple flowers that bloom in late summer to early fall, adding a pop of color to your garden.
• Aromatic Leaves: The leaves have a distinct, pleasant aroma, making it a great addition to herb gardens and sensory landscapes.
• Culinary Uses: The leaves of Japanese Catnip are used in various Asian dishes, especially in soups and teas, offering a refreshing herbal flavor.
• Traditional Medicinal Herb: Schizonepeta tenuifolia is used in traditional medicine, particularly in Chinese and Japanese herbal practices, for its potential to relieve cold symptoms, clear heat, and support the immune system.
• Attractive to Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making this herb a great choice for a wildlife-friendly garden.

Growing Information:

• Light: Japanese Catnip thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Aim for at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight a day to encourage optimal growth and flowering.
• Soil: This herb prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). It can tolerate poor soil conditions but will grow best in moderately rich, loamy soil.
• Planting Tips:
  • Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or direct sow outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.
  • Lightly press the seeds into the soil, as they need light for germination. Do not cover them too deeply.
  • Space the seeds about 12-18 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth.
  • Keep the soil moist during the germination period (typically 7-14 days), and once established, the plant will be more drought-tolerant.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Once established, Japanese Catnip is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering.
• Maintenance: Japanese Catnip is relatively low-maintenance. Prune back spent flowers to encourage new growth, and remove any dead or damaged foliage throughout the growing season.

Benefits:

• Culinary Use: The leaves of Japanese Catnip are used in Asian cuisine, particularly in soups, stews, and teas, where they impart a fresh, herbaceous flavor. It's often used in traditional dishes to add a refreshing taste.
• Medicinal Properties: In traditional herbal medicine, Schizonepeta tenuifolia is believed to have cooling properties, helping to relieve symptoms of colds, fevers, and other ailments. It’s often used to help clear heat, expel wind, and promote sweating.
• Pollinator Support: The vibrant purple flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, contributing to the overall health of your garden and supporting local ecosystems.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, Japanese Catnip requires little care and can tolerate a range of conditions, making it a perfect plant for beginner and experienced gardeners alike.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The small, vibrant purple flowers and aromatic leaves make this herb an attractive addition to herb gardens, sensory gardens, or edible landscapes.

Growing Zones:

• Suitable for USDA Zones 5-9. Japanese Catnip is a hardy perennial that thrives in temperate climates. It can tolerate cooler winters and will grow back each year in suitable zones.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Herb Gardens: Japanese Catnip is perfect for herb gardens, where it can be grown alongside other culinary herbs like basil, mint, and thyme. Its unique flowers and fragrant leaves add diversity to the garden.
• Pollinator Gardens: This plant is an excellent choice for attracting pollinators. Plant it alongside other flowering plants to create a vibrant, wildlife-friendly garden.
• Container Gardens: Japanese Catnip grows well in containers, making it an excellent option for small spaces, patios, or balconies. Grow it alongside other herbs or as a standalone plant for easy access to fresh leaves.
• Traditional and Medicinal Gardens: Plant Japanese Catnip as part of a traditional or medicinal herb garden, where it can be harvested for both culinary and therapeutic uses.

Conclusion: Japanese Catnip (Schizonepeta tenuifolia), also known as Jing Jie, is a versatile and beautiful herb that adds both visual and functional value to the garden. Its aromatic, purple flowers and fragrant leaves make it a standout in any herb garden, while its culinary and medicinal properties offer additional benefits for gardeners. Whether you’re using it in your kitchen, creating a pollinator-friendly space, or incorporating it into a traditional herb garden, this plant is a must-have for any gardener looking to add a unique and useful herb to their collection. With 250 seeds in this packet, you can cultivate a thriving patch of Japanese Catnip and enjoy its many rewards.