How to Grow Catmint Herb
Perennial, Biennial, Nepeta Musinii
If you are growing Catmint, all of the cats in your neighborhood will love
you. Cats love Catmint! They love to nip the leaves of this herb plant. They
love to roll in it. They sometimes will take a nap in a bed of it.
A member of the Mint family, Catmint is a strong smelling, aromatic herb.
It has clusters of purplish-blue flowers. The leaves have a lemon-mint flavor
and scent. It is fun to grow for your kitties, and for tea for you.
Catmint is a perennial, and grows one and one half to three feet tall.
It is native to North America. In addition to cats, bees are also fond of
Catmint.
Propagation:
Grow Catmint plants from seed. Sow Catmint seeds into your garden in
the spring. Space seedlings or thin plants to 12" apart.
Established plants can be propagated by division of the rootball.
When growing Catmint, allow for plenty of space. It can overcrowd nearby
plants in your herb garden.
How to Grow Catmint Plants:
Catmint is easy to grow. They thrive in sun or partial shade. They prefer
average, well drained soil . Plants are drought and heat tolerant. They
grow well with little attention, and withstand crowding. Fertilizer is not
usually required, except in the poorest of soils.
After the plants have grown a few inches, pinch back the shoots to promote
bushy growth. It will first bloom in mid summer. After harvest, trim back
the plants again. With luck, you will get three harvests in a season.
Catmint are aggressive growers, crowding out other plants if given the chance.
Give them plenty of space away from other plants in your garden. Or, surround
the plants with a border edging.
Harvest leaves as the flowers begin to bloom. Cut off the top leaves, stems
and flowers. They can be used fresh, dried , or frozen. Spread leaves out
to dry in a cool and ventilated area.
Main Uses:
The most popular use of Catmint is for cats. Rubbing oil on your cats' toys
will drive them wild.
Medicinal Uses:
Catmint is often used in treating colds and cold symptoms.
Related Topics:
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