How to grow Catmint

Nepeta cataria

Partial Sun
Medium

Water regularly and fertilize when 6" tall. To keep plants tidy and to increase leaf production, pinch out developing flower buds.

Growing Catmint from seed

For strong plants, either start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost, or sow outdoors in late summer/early fall and provide winter protection where necessary.

Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 0.98 inches (2.5 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.25 inches (0.64 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 16°C / 61°F to ensure good germination.

By our calculations*, you should look at sowing Catmint about 8 days before your last frost date .

Harvesting Catmint

Prune often to encourage a bushy habit. The flower buds as well as leaves and stems can be dried or used fresh. Cut shoot tips with a few leaves, To dry, hang stems in a dry, dark, well-ventilated area. Store in an airtight container.

How long does Catmint take to grow?

These estimates for how long Catmint takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Catmint to germinate?: 9 days
Average 9 days | Min 1 days | Max 23 days (46)
Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Catmint?: + days
Average days | Min days | Max days (0)
Days to Maturity How long until Catmint is ready for harvest / bloom?: + 67 days
Average 67 days | Min 67 days | Max 67 days (2)
Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Catmint?: = days

When should I plant Catmint?

Our when to plant Catmint estimates are relative to your last frost date.

When to sow The number of days to sow Catmint before or after your last frost date.: 8 days before Last Frost Date

Catmint Folklore & Trivia

In 2001 Iowa State University did a study comparing DEET to catnip for repelling mosquitoes. They found that catnip was more effective then DEET.² Previous research had shown catnip to also repel cockroaches.²

Catnip is aphrodisiac for cats. About 1 out of 10 cats do not respond to it. Cats only need to smell catnip for it to have an effect, but most cats will chew on it to release more scent.¹

Catnip has been used historically to treat scarlet fever, as well as headaches and other ailments.¹² Before the use of tea from China, our English peasantry were in the habit of brewing Catmint Tea, which they said was quite as pleasant and a good deal more wholesome.

For those who practice magic Catnip is associated with love.It is also said to attract good luck when grown. ¹

Other names for Catmint

Catnip

Nepeta cataria L.

Footnotes

¹ Asian Herbs

² Iowa State University