All about growing Nepeta from seed

Growing Guide

Nepeta, also known as Catmint, is an attractive, hardy and easy-to-grow flowering perennial, renowned for its aromatic foliage which tends to attract cats, hence its name. Its aromatic leaves are green or grey-green and its stems are clothed from summer to autumn in small mauve or blue flowers.

Sow indoors February to May or September to October. Sow into pots or trays of moist seed compost and cover seed with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm pots. Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost, 30cm apart.

  • Key Information

    Height: to 60cm

    Spread: to 40cm

    Hardy perennial

    Sun or semi-shade

    Germination: 7 - 21 days

  • Sowing & Growing Schedule

    Sow Indoors: February to April, or September to October

    Sow Outdoors: n/a

    Plant Out: March to June

    Blooms: June to October

  • Varieties we recommend

    Mussini
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Top Tip

Cats can safely nibble and eat catmint leaves, stems and flowers – indeed many cat toys are stuffed with dried catmint leaves. Some cats love it so much they roll around and sleep on the plants.

Once established, Nepeta is easy to grow and requires little care. 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. The dead leaves are a favourite hibernation place for ladybirds so, if possible, delay cutting back until early spring. Nepeta benefits from being divided every few years as flowering declines when plants form large, congested clumps.

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