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How to Grow Catmint

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. They love to roll in it. They sometimes will take a nap in a bed of it. They just plain love it. And, you will too.

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 seeds into your garden in the spring. Space seedlings or thin plants to 12" apart.

Established plants can be progagated by division of the rootball.

When growing Catmint, allow for plenty of space. It will overcrowd nearby plants in your herb garden if allowed.


How to Grow Catmint:

Catmint is easy to grow. They thrive in sun or partial shade. They prefer average, well drained soil . Plants are drougt and heat tolerant. They grow well with little attention, and will withstand crowding. Fertilizer is not usually required, except in the poorest of soils. We always recommend a little fertilizer at planting time, and a couple of times a year to promote maximum growth.

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, better still, surround it 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.


Buy Catmint Seeds Now


About this Herb:
Anise
Balm Lemon
Basil
Caraway
Catmint
Catnip
Chamomile
Chinese Parsley
Chives
Cilantro/Coriander
Dill
Fennel
Garlic
Lavender
Marjoram
Mint
Oregano
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
St. John's Wort
Tarragon
Thyme
Watercress

Drying Herbs

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