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.
How do you grow Nepata from seed?
How to Grow Nepata The seeds of catnip can be sown outside in the early months of spring. Lightly cover the seed once sown. Catnip and other Nepeta like to grow in a light sandy soil; ideally the pH will be slightly acidic to neutral (5.5 to 7).
Can you grow Nepeta from cuttings?
You can take stem-tip cuttings in early spring, or from fresh growth after the summer cut-back. Sow fresh seed in spring. Nepeta nuda and its cultivars seem content on almost any soil pH. There is no need to cut them back after flowering as they do not reflower.
When is the best time to plant Nepeta?
It grows quickly and, in most climates, can be planted from spring to early fall. Catmint is one of those plants that thrives on neglect. Many of the newer varieties of Nepeta are sterile and produce no viable seeds.
How do you care for a Nepeta plant?
Requirements and care: Full sunlight or partial shade. Soil pH 5. 5 to 7. 0. Sandy soil. Light soil. Can survive in dry soils. Cutback with sheers once flowering has occurred; this may result in further blooming. To maintain vigour it is recommended to divide Nepeta plants every three years or so.
Does Nepeta come back every year?
Nepeta is a reliable perennial, very hardy and tolerant of all conditions and it returns reliably each year.
How do you plant Nepeta?
Plant catmint from spring through autumn in a warm, sunny (or partially sunny) spot; it flowers best in full sun. Nepeta appreciates average water but becomes drought-tolerant once established. Catmint can grow well in a variety of soil types. To maintain compactness and urge repeat bloom, trim back spent blooms.
How do you keep Nepeta blooming?
Nepeta is one of our favorite perennials because it just blooms, and blooms, and blooms. But in order to get that bloom to extend through the entire season, you're going to have to prune it back. You want to do that as soon as the flowers go by.
Should Nepeta be cut back in winter?
Even though it can be unsightly in winter, prune catmint in spring or once you know the growing season is truly over. Cutting it back even late in the season encourages it to resprout, and that new growth is susceptible to cold.
Should you cut back Nepeta?
After flowering, Nepeta can be cut back for a fresh flush of growth and a second show of flowers. Cutting back stems by one third as flower buds appear will keep plants more compact and delay flowering.
Does Nepeta spread?
The seed-grown catmints can be aggressively weedy, spreading themselves throughout the garden and crowding out neighboring perennials.
Should you cut back Nepeta after flowering?
Flowers are produced over a long period, but it's a good idea to trim them back after blooming to keep the plant neat and to encourage more to form. Once growth dies back in late autumn, cut back the dead stems before new growth appears in spring.
Can Nepeta be grown in pots?
Fill three- or four-inch pots with potting mix and press seeds into the soil, barely covering. Keep moist until seedlings appear in two to three weeks and then place the pots under bright light until they develop at least two sets of true leaves.
How do you shape Nepeta?
0:000:57Pruning Nepeta - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you simply cut back into the base of the plant you'll encourage the plant to bloom again.MoreIf you simply cut back into the base of the plant you'll encourage the plant to bloom again.
How do you prepare Nepeta for winter?
Rake away the dead foliage and stems to eliminate hiding places for pests and rodents. Spread a 2- to 3-inch-thick layer of mulch around the plants to protect the roots during the winter months, leaving a 2-inch gap between the mulch and the base of the plant so that moisture can evaporate from the soil.
How do I stop catmint from flopping?
0:191:05How to Keep Plants from Falling Open in the Center - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne tip that you can do is just pinch off the very tips. Here which encourages new growth fromMoreOne tip that you can do is just pinch off the very tips. Here which encourages new growth from inside here you can see where there's a couple little leaves.
Can Nepeta be divided?
But if you'd like to divide them to make more plants, all Nepeta varieties respond well to division. In the spring, find a section of the plant with undeveloped shoots and a good root system. Slice it vertically with a spade. If the plant is very large, you can divide it into smaller sections.
How far apart do you plant Nepeta?
Space plants 18 inches apart. Provide an inch of water per week the first season. Established plants are drought tolerant.
How far apart should you plant catmint?
How to plant: Catmint flowers best in full sun to partial shade, preferring some afternoon shade in warmer climates. Follow these steps and space plants 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety. Loosen soil in the planting area and dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the root ball.
Does catmint spread quickly?
Catmints are fast-growing plants. When they first begin in spring, they form tidy little mounds of neat new foliage. This quickly grows outward as plants begin to set their buds for their flower show. One of the most common varieties grown is called 'Walker's Low.
When should I plant catnip?
Plant catnip in spring, once all chances of frost have passed. You'll want to plant it in an area where your cats can roll in it without damaging neighboring plants. Space catnip plants 18 to 24 inches apart in a very sunny area with fertile, well-drained soil.
How big does Nepeta racemosa grow?
It grows to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide . Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’ has lavender-blue flowers with 8-inch spikes. This 2007 Perennial Plant of the Year reaches 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide and is one of the hardiest and most reliable Nepetas. Nepeta recemosa 'Little Titch' is a dwarf variety with pale blue flowers.
When does Nepeta bloom?
Expect your Nepeta to start blooming in early summer with repeat blooms throughout the growing season. Deadheading or shearing your plants will give you stockier plants and a lush second bloom.
How big does a six hills giant catmint grow?
'Six Hills Giant’ Nepeta x faassenii is one of the tallest-growing Nepetas and has lavender-blue flowers. It grows up to 36 inches tall and 30 inches wide, so be sure to give it plenty of room in your garden. Nepeta subsessilis ‘Sweet Dreams' features pink flowers with burgundy bracts.
How big do catmints get?
Most catmints are floppy, bushy plants that mature at about 10 to 24 inches tall and 12 to 24 inches wide. However, there are some varieties that are more compact, and there are others that will grow 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
What is a catmint plant?
Landscape Uses for Catmint. Catmint is a classic choice for planting under roses. The pale colors of catmint complement most roses, and the soft, frilly foliage hides the ugly "knees" of the rose bush. Catmint is also a wonderful plant for edging, where it softens hard lines.
How big does Sweet Dreams grow?
It grows up to 36 inches tall and 30 inches wide, so be sure to give it plenty of room in your garden. Nepeta subsessilis ‘Sweet Dreams' features pink flowers with burgundy bracts. This variety likes a bit more water than most Nepetas. It grows to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
What color is Nepeta?
Nepeta has slightly aromatic gray-green foliage with a delicate, lacy appearance. Its billowing foliage is topped with spikes of flowers in early summer, with repeat blooms throughout the season. The flowers can be white, pink, or lavender-blue.
What is a Nepeta?
Nepeta spp. Nepeta is a genus of flowering perennials in the mint family , including popular herbs such as catnip and Faassen’s catmint. Many feature attractive aromatic foliage and long blooming flowers that pollinators love. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products.
How to root cuttings in soil?
To root cuttings in soil, stick the cut end into a four-inch container filled with potting mix and set it in a warm location that receives indirect or filtered light. Water regularly until new growth appears.
How to cut a plant away from the rest of the plant?
Find a section of an established plant with a healthy and mature root system, slice vertically with a garden spade to cut it away from the rest of the plant, and carefully dig it up.
How to grow a sage plant in a container?
Prepare a garden bed or container with garden soil mixed with an inch of organic matter. Sprinkle seeds on top, barely covering since light aids germination for these plants. Water lightly and keep moist until sprouts appear, in two to three weeks. Thin seedlings to about 18 inches apart.
Where did N. cataria originate?
N. cataria was first brought to North America in the 1800s by settlers who used it as a culinary herb.
How long does it take for Nepeta to germinate?
It should take about one to three weeks to germinate at 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. Once ready the plants should be spaced at about 20 to 60 cm apart (depending on Nepeta species size) in the garden either in the autumn or before the last frost of spring.
What is a Nepeta plant?
Nepeta Plants are bushy hardy perennials that range from 15 to 90 cm in height. They have an abundance if small purple, yellow, blue or white flowers that bloom from the end of spring and throughout summer. Their size makes Nepeta useful as an edging plant or for use at the front of a border. Some common names for Nepeta include Catnip and Catmint.
How to grow catnip and catmint?
They can grow in either sunny or partially shaded parts of the garden. When first growing Catnip and catmint indoors then start about 10 weeks in advance.
What are some common names for Nepeta?
Some common names for Nepeta include Catnip and Catmint.
Can cats grow mint?
Closely Related Species: Mint and Sage. Miscellaneous: Cats love this plant as it contains nepetalactone; if there are cats in your area and you do not want them in your garden it is not recommended to grow this plant.
Is catmint drought tolerant?
It is easy to maintain catmint, catnip and other Nepeta species; they are drought tolerant.
What type of soil does catnip prefer?
Catnip favors loose, dry soils that can be slightly acidic or alkaline. The soil also needs to be well-draining as catnip doesn’t like to sit in too much moisture. Chalky, loamy, or sandy soils work best.
How long does it take for catnip to grow?
Catnip is a very easy plant to grow, especially for novice gardeners. These perennials are rapid growers and reach full maturity in about a year. It can be grown directly in well-draining soil or containers. It doesn’t need much watering or feeding and enjoys having lots of sunlight. Some intensive pruning once a year helps keep catnip under control.
Why is my catnip root rot?
Root rot is a dead giveaway that catnip is getting too much water. Move the plant to a warmer spot to dry it out.
How much sun does a catnip need?
Catnip loves basking in full sun, ideally around six hours a day. In very hot and dry climates though, the plant will need some shade during the afternoon.
How big does a catnip grow?
Fully-grown Catnip plants tend to reach around 1 ½ to 3 feet wide and high. They can spread out of control if you’re not careful.
What does catnip look like?
Catnip looks very similar to a lot of mint varieties, with square stems and soft leaves with toothed fringes. Catnip plants produce small flowers ranging from white to blue and mauve. Some varieties are more vibrant than others.
Where do catnip plants come from?
Catnip plants are native to much of the Northern hemisphere, including Europe and North America. The plant originated from southern Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Their ability to tolerate droughts allows them to thrive in drier areas.
How tall is Nepeta racemosa?
Ranging in height from 12 to 18 inches, it is often used as a colorful groundcover.
When do plants go into a lull?
Some plants may go into a summer lull after the first flush of blooms has faded. Shearing your plants back by a third or more will reenergize them for a second bloom cycle and produce lush new foliage. Even without being sheared, they will often repeat bloom, although not quite as prolifically.
Is catnip a weed?
Catnip ( Nepeta cataria) is more aromatic than catmint. Its ornamental attributes are lacking and it tends to be weedy and invasive. In the garden, it offers the most value as a culinary herb or as a repellant for certain insects, including mosquitoes, aphids and squash bugs.
Can catmints grow in shade?
Although most prefer full sun, they won’t mind a bit of afternoon shade, especially when grown in hot climates. Catmint will grow in just about any type of well-drained soil. Wet or soggy sites can lead to root rot.
Is catmint a good plant?
If you’re looking for a tough-as-nails plant that will bloom for months on end with very little pampering, catmint is sure to make you purr with delight. Unlike its close relative catnip (both are members of the mint family), catmint is better behaved and much showier. The soft gray-green foliage and billowy clusters of lavender-blue flowers are ...
5 Days and 4 Catmints!
Last Saturday I was shopping at a nursery where I found a ‘Walker’s Low’ Catmint ( Nepeta faassinii ). I’ve talked about the benefits of Nepeta before so it may not be a surprise that I bought one. I planted the new perennial the other day in our front sidewalk garden.
How I Took Catmint Cuttings
I made three small stem-tip cuttings, dabbed them in rooting hormone (which is not really necessary) and stuck them in my sandbox. (You’re never to old to play in the sandbox right?) The sandbox I have is really just a few aluminum baking pans that I put sterilized playground sand in to use for my cuttings.
How to Stop Catmint from Getting Leggy
If you are having trouble with your catmint getting leggy watch this short video I did on pinching back your catmint. This technique is great with other plants that have a tendency to fall open from the center too.
How much space do catnip plants need?
Catnip, like most herbs, will thrive in poor soil. Give seedlings or young plants ample room to grow, leaving about 18 to 20 inches (4 5.7 to 50.8 cm) between each plant to prevent crowding. They might look thin when you first plant them, but they will need the room to grow and will soon fill out the space.
How much sun does catnip need?
Catnip prefers full sun in most locations. If you live in a hot, dry climate, consider an area where plants will have some shade from the afternoon sun. It will still need at least six hours of full sun, but in locations in the south, the sun at its highest and hottest could damage leaves.
How to keep catnip from destroying my yard?
To keep it from invading your yard, grow it in a controlled garden, such as one with permanent stone dividers.
Can you ask someone to grow catnip?
If you want to save money, or if you know of someone who already is growing catnip, you could ask them for a plant or some seeds.
Can you plant catnip in a container?
If you don’t have a controlled space, using containers offers total control of where and how your catnip plants grow. If you want the look of an herb garden, but don’t want to risk catnip taking over, plant it in containers then bury the containers in your garden.