-
CATEGORY ::
- All Seeds /
- All Flower Seeds /
- All Nepeta Seeds
Catmint Seeds - Common
About...
Common Catmint (Nepeta Cataria) - Grow this member of the mint family from Nepeta seeds. This popular drought resistant plant forms fragrant foliage with spikes of white flowers reaching 24 inches high.MORE NEPETA OPTIONS
Planting Directions
TEMPERATURE
60 - 70F
AVERAGE GERM TIME
7 - 14 days
LIGHT REQUIRED
Yes
DEPTH
1/8 inch
SOWING RATE
2 - 3 seeds per plant
MOISTURE
Keep seeds moist until germination
PLANT SPACING
18 - 20 inches
Common Catmint (Nepeta Cataria) - Grow this member of the mint family from Nepeta seeds. This popular plant forms fragrant foliage with spikes of white flowers reaching 24 inches high. The plant is very easy to grow from flower seed, and if the seeds are sown early in the season, it will bloom the first year. It is a perennial that blooms like an annual. The foliage is vigorous and spreads to a width of 12 - 18 inches and is resistant to drought. Catmint plants work well as a general ground cover, accent plant, pathway edger, rock garden specimen, or in the herb garden. Also known as: catnip, catswort, catwort, or catmint. Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Thrives in dry soils and is very tolerant of drought.
Growing common catmint from seed is not difficult. After the danger of frost has passed, in a prepared seedbed that is in full sun to partial shade, sow the Nepeta seeds directly outdoors, preferably in soil that drains well. Press the seeds into the soil but do not cover them, and keep the flower seeds moist until germination. Thin the seedlings to 18 - 20 inches apart and pinch off the growing tips to promote a bushy growth habit. Care of common catmint plants includes trimming the plants back after blooming to encourage a second bloom. The plants are aggressive and don't need much care, but an application of fertilizer 1 - 2 times during the growing season is beneficial. Give Nepeta plants lots of space as they will spread. Many gardeners will border them with an edging. Well-established plants can be divided in the spring.
Common Questions
Do I need to prune my catmint plants?
Trimming your plants after flowering will keep them compact.
Will my catmint attract butterflies?
Yes, catmint attracts butterflies as well as bees and is ignored by deer.
What can I plant with my catmint?
Plants like helenium, oriental poppy, yarrow or marguerite all work well with catmint plants in your landscape.
Can you plant catmint and lavender together?
You can grow catmint and lavender since they belong to the mint family. Lavender can be more challenging to cultivate, which is why catmint is commonly substituted for lavender in regions where lavender struggles to thrive due to their resemblance.
Where should I plant catmint?
Planting catmint under roses is a traditional option. The soft hues of catmint beautifully enhance most roses, while its delicate, frilly leaves conceal the unsightly lower parts of the rose bush. Catmint is also ideal for bordering, as it adds a soft touch to sharp edges.
