Catnip (_Nepeta cataria_) is a European perennial plant of the mint
family, which frequently occurs in this country as a weed in gardens
and about dwellings. It has long had a popular use as a domestic
remedy. Both leaves and flowering tops find some demand in the
crude-drug trade.
Catnip does well on almost any good soil, but thrives best on a
well-drained and moderately rich garden loam. However, a more fragrant
and attractive herb can be grown in sandy situations than in heavy
soils. The plant may be propagated from seeds or by root division. The
seed may be sown in rows either late in the fall or in early spring
and covered lightly. Fall-sown seed usually gives a more even stand
and a heavier growth of herb. When the plants have reached a height
of 4 to 5 inches they should be thinned to stand from 12 to 16 inches
apart in the rows. In some localities the field sowing of seed does not
give good results, in which case plants may be started in a coldframe
and later transplanted to the field. Shallow cultivation will favor a
vigorous growth of the herb.
The flowering tops are harvested when the plants are in full bloom
and are dried in the shade to preserve their green color. In case the
herb is grown in large quantity, it may be cut with a mowing machine,
the cutter bar of which should be set high. The plants should lie in
the swath until partially dry, and the curing may then be finished
either in small cocks in the field or in the barn, care being taken to
preserve the natural green color as far as possible.
Returns from experimental areas indicate that a yield of about 2,000
pounds of dried flowering tops per acre may be expected under good
conditions. The herb must be carefully sorted and all the large or
coarse stems removed, after which it may be made up for the market in
bales of 100 to 300 pounds each. Prewar prices to collectors ranged
from 2 to 4 cents a pound. The prices in June, 1920, for the herb were
5 cents; for the leaves, 10 cents; and for the leaves and flowers, 14
cents a pound.