Japanese Catnip (Schizonepeta tenuifolia) is a fragrant perennial herb known for its delicate purple flowers and aromatic foliage. Native to East Asia, this versatile herb is valued for culinary and traditional medicinal uses, as well as its ornamental beauty in gardens.
Japanese Catnip thrives in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade, producing slender stems adorned with clusters of soft purple blooms. Its aromatic leaves can be used fresh or dried for teas, seasoning, and natural remedies. Additionally, its flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity in your herb garden.
Perfect for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, multi-purpose herb with both visual and functional appeal.
Features
- Produces delicate purple flowers with aromatic foliage
- Non-GMO perennial herb suitable for culinary, medicinal, and ornamental use
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
- Easy to grow in herb gardens, containers, or naturalized garden areas
- Low-maintenance and adaptable to a variety of climates
Specifications
- Seed Type: Japanese Catnip herb seeds
- Botanical Name: Schizonepeta tenuifolia
- Common Names: Japanese Catnip, East Asian Catmint
- Plant Type: Perennial herb
- Plant Height: 12 – 24 inches
- Zones: USDA Zones 5 – 9
- Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile soil
- Germination Time: 10 – 21 days
- Days to Maturity: 60 – 90 days to flowering
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Season: Spring planting
- Planting Depth: 1/8 – 1/4 inch
- Spacing: 8 – 12 inches apart
- Optimal Temperature: 60°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C)
- Watering: Keep soil moderately moist during establishment
- Companion Plants: Mint, Basil, Chamomile, Lavender
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Flower Color: Purple
- Uses: Culinary herb, medicinal tea, ornamental garden plant, pollinator support
- Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry location until sowing
Planting Guide
- Sowing: Sow seeds indoors or directly outdoors in well-draining soil.
- Light & Soil: Choose full sun to partial shade; ensure soil is fertile and drains well.
- Watering: Keep soil moderately moist, avoiding waterlogging.
- Harvesting: Harvest leaves before flowering for best flavor; flowers can also be used decoratively.
- Maintenance: Low-maintenance; prune lightly to encourage bushier growth.
