catnip / Nepeta cataria
catmint
This is the true catmint (catnip), which will send most cats into an absolute frenzy of rolling, chewing, rubbing, drooling and purring (amongst other things!). The good news (and not just for your cat) is that Nepeta cataria also looks handsome in the border, forming a loose hummock of aromatic foliage, above which small white flowers appear in summer. The aromatic foliage is also said to help repel insects, so it's a great plant to have near an outdoor seating area.
How to care for Nepeta cataria:
Nepeta thrives in sunny, well-drained locations with slightly alkaline soil and should be planted with plenty of well-rotted organic matter into the backfill and immediate area. To encourage a second flush of blooms, prune it by one-third after the first flowering and cut back heavily in late winter to maintain its shape.
Regular deadheading will promote continuous flowering, and once established, water deeply but infrequently, to assist in developing drought-tolerance. Apply a light mulch around the base annually and avoid over-fertilising to prevent floppy growth. Divide the plant every 3-4 years to maintain its vigour.
Good air circulation is important to prevent fungal (mildew) issues so space plants accordingly - we recommend allowing approximately 30cm (12in) between plants.
If the plant is primarily being grown for foliage, trim back or pinch out flowering buds, pruning back to encourage fresh foliage throughout the season.
Regular deadheading will promote continuous flowering, and once established, water deeply but infrequently, to assist in developing drought-tolerance. Apply a light mulch around the base annually and avoid over-fertilising to prevent floppy growth. Divide the plant every 3-4 years to maintain its vigour.
Good air circulation is important to prevent fungal (mildew) issues so space plants accordingly - we recommend allowing approximately 30cm (12in) between plants.
If the plant is primarily being grown for foliage, trim back or pinch out flowering buds, pruning back to encourage fresh foliage throughout the season.
Sowing instructions:
For an early flowering crop under glass from January - sow thinly onto trays or pots containing good quality seed compost and lightly cover with compost. Cover with polythene, glass or a propagator lid. Keep moist but not overly wet and keep at 68°F (20°) for 2-4 weeks. Remove covers once seedlings appear and transplant when easy to handle into small pots. Harden off in a cool environment and plant out at 30cm intervals once all risk of frost has passed.
For direct, outdoor sowings from April onwards - sow thinly in rows 15cm apart in a well-prepared seed bed. Cover lightly and keep moist, transplanting or thinning to 30cm when easy to handle.
For direct, outdoor sowings from April onwards - sow thinly in rows 15cm apart in a well-prepared seed bed. Cover lightly and keep moist, transplanting or thinning to 30cm when easy to handle.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.7m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This herb dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
approx 150 seeds
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9cm pot
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