Organic Népetta 'Persian Catmint'

Organic Nepeta 'Persian Catmint' (Nepeta racemosa) from the seed company Gaia, a fragrant, nectar-rich and repellent perennial with luminous blue-violet flowers

Persian Catmint forms aromatic , silvery-green clumps topped with blue-violet flowers that bloom all summer long. Highly attractive to bees and butterflies, its intense fragrance repels mosquitoes and other pests , making it a valuable ally in the garden. Hardy, drought-tolerant, and easy to grow, it thrives in borders, herb gardens, or pots. Its leaves, perfect for making herbal tea , release a fresh, slightly lemony note. A heritage perennial, it readily self-seeds and returns each year with simple, lasting beauty.

Companion plants : Verbena, Agastache, Lavender, Tufted Grass, Yarrow, Sage, Russian Sage, Snapdragon, Elderberry, Creeping Phlox, Ice Plant, Bee Balm
Negative plants : Columbine, Hellebore, Peony, Rose, Dahlia

Spread/Habit : Rounded and airy clump
Plant height : 45 to 60 cm
Quantity per packet : 20 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Very attractive to bees, edible leaves for herbal tea, mosquito repellent, hardy perennial, blue-violet flowers

Leaf color : Silvery green
Texture/flavor : Aromatic, fresh, slightly lemony
Cold tolerance : Down to -20°C

Farming method

Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Cover the seeds lightly, 6 mm deep. Germination takes 7 to 21 days at 15–21 °C (optimum 21 °C). Transplant outdoors to full sun (level 3) or partial sun/partial shade , in well-drained soil, spacing plants 45–60 cm apart and rows 90–120 cm apart. Water minimally (level 1). The plant spreads gently and self-seeds readily.

Harvesting and preservation

Harvest the leaves and flowers when the plant begins to bloom, at which point the essential oil content is at its highest. Cut the stems in the morning, after the dew has evaporated. Dry them in a dark, cool, and well-ventilated place, then store them in airtight containers away from light.

Usage ideas

• As an aromatic herbal tea , alone or in a blend
• At the edges for a hazy blue-violet effect
• As a natural repellent around patios
• In herb gardens alongside lavender
• To attract pollinators to the vegetable garden

Nepetta 'Persian Catmint' is a generous, fragrant and resilient perennial that beautifies the garden while offering simple and natural culinary and medicinal uses.