How to Grow Catmint

Nepeta Germination Information

Nepeta is the botanical name for Catmint
How to Sow Nepeta:

• Best sown indoors at alternating temperatures of 68 and 86°
• Seeds will germinate in 8-12 days
• Seeds can also be sown outdoors in the spring after danger of frost is past, when the soil is warm
• These plants will readily self-sow
• If sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed

How to Grow Nepeta:
Transplanting: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves

Spacing: Space both species 11/2-2 feet apart in full sun (to partial shade in the South) in a well-drained soil

Temperature: Bee Balm is tolerant of humidity and insect pests

Soil: To prevent spindly growth, fertilize soil only sparingly

Additional Care: Cut plants back hard after flowering. Cutting back promotes compact growth and induces a second flower display. Very tolerant of diseases, pests, and pollution, however, cats may do some damage as these species are siblings of catnip, Nepeta cataria

Appearance and Use:

These plants are used in borders and as edging and groundcover material. Nepeta x faasseni grows 18 inches tall and spreads as wide. The fragrant leaves are light green to gray-green and softly hairy. The lipped flowers are blue and held in loose racemes. Hardy from Zones 4 to 8. Nepeta nervosa grows 2 feet tall and spreads as wide. The fragrant leaves are similar to the above, but with conspicuous veins, and the plants produces lavender-blue flowers in denser racemes

About Nepeta:
Pronunciation:  ne-pe’tå
Lifecycle:  Perennial
Origination: Lamiaceae; N. x faasseni is native to Iran, N. nervosa is native to India
Common Name: Bee Balm