Pennyroyal Herb

Pennyroyal herb is a great for repelling pesky insects. Just rub a little pennyroyal oil on yourself at picnics or when you're gardening during those "buggy" times.

Pennyroyal's essential oil is extremely concentrated. It should not ever be taken internally because it is highly toxic; even in small doses, the poison can lead to death.

The oil can be used for aromatherapy, a bath additive and as an insect repellent.

There are numerous studies that show pennyroyal's toxicity to humans and animals.

If you decide to plant this herb, be very careful, especially if you have children or pets.

Description

Pennyroyal is a perennial that grow up to 1 foot tal in zones 5 to 9.

Flowers: Tubular 1/4 inch long, lavender blue flowers bloom in mid to late summer in whorls where the leaves join the stems.

Leaves: Both English and American Pennyroyals are members of the mint family and have characteristic square stems. English pennyroyal form a low carpet of opposite, 1/4 inch long, slightly hairy leaves on prostrate stems. American pennyroyal is a more upright plant with leaves up to 1 inch long.

Flavor and fragrance: Pennyroyal has a minty fragrance, but DO NOT EAT. Its highly toxic!

How To Grow

When to plant: Sow the seeds directly in the garden about two weeks before your last spring frost. Take the cuttings or layer English pennyroyal in early summer; divide the plants in spring or fall.

Where to plant: Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Soil and fertility: English pennyroyal prefers moist soil with average fertility; apply compost in alternate years. American pennyroyal requires a fertile, well-drained site; allow the top inch of the soil to dry between waterings.

Plant spacing: Allow 6 inches between English plants, and 8 to 10 inches between American plants.

Pests: Aphids, spider mites, mint flea beetles, cutworms

Diseases: Rust, verticillium wilt, anthracnose

Harvesting

When to harvest: Harvest the individual sprigs in the morning after the plant is at least 8 inches tall or the stems are 8 inches long. For drying, harvest in the spring and summer before and after they bloom.

How to harvest: Snip off the stem tips or cut the whole stems several inches above the soils surface or the crown of the plant.

Drying: Hang upside down to air dry.

Uses

Insect repellent: Rub pennyroyal herb on your skin to help repel insects. You can also make a insect-chasing bouquet and crush the leaves occasionally to release their fragrance.