How to Grow Catmint from Seed: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Use Climate Zones

First, find your climate zone using the map or descriptions below. Next, refer to our sowing chart, which provides approximate sowing times for our most popular seeds for each climate zone.

While knowing your climate zone is helpful when planning your garden, there are many other factors that may affect how your plants grow, including unseasonal weather conditions, the specific microclimate of your garden and how you care for your plants. You know your garden better than we do, so if you think a different climate zone would work better for it, feel free to use that as a guide.

Our climate zones cover huge areas of Australia, so we recommend gardeners also consider their local conditions when planning what and when to plant. For example, gardeners in alpine areas have shorter growing seasons than gardeners in cool coastal areas, even though both alpine and coastal areas are included in our ‘Cool Temperate’ climate zone. We recommend gardeners in cool regions look at the ‘days to maturity’ information provided for each variety and choose those that will mature in a short (6-12 week) growing season.

• Includes: Darwin, Cairns, Townsville, Exmouth
• It rains most of the year in the summer, and the winters are dry and warm. Ranges across northern Australia from Exmouth (WA) to south of Townsville (Qld).
• Set as my climate My climate

• Includes: Alice Springs, Mildura, Albury-Wodonga, Shepparton, Wagga Wagga, Dubbo
• Summers are hot and dry, and winters can be warm or cool, depending on where you live. From the coast of Western Australia to Charleville (Qld), Tamworth (NSW), and Albury-Wodonga (NSW/Vic), this area is very big.
• Set as my climate My climate

• Brisbane, Bundaberg, Coffs Harbour, Hervey Bay, Mackay, Rockhampton, and the Sunshine Coast are all included.
• Warm humid summers with high summer rainfall and mild winters. Along the coast of Queensland and northern New South Wales, from north of Mackay to just south of Coffs Harbour
• Set as my climate My climate

• It includes Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle, Toowoomba, Wollongong, Bunbury, and the Central Coast of NSW.
• Moderate humidity and reliable rainfall, with four distinct seasons. Covers the coast of NSW from north of Port Macquarie to south of Woollongong, as well as the coast of SA and the southeast coast of WA.
• Set as my climate My climate

• Includes: Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart, Launceston, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Mt Gambier
• It’s hot and dry in the summer and cold and dry in the winter, and there’s not much humidity. Some regions will experience frosts and snow. Australia’s southeast coast and the mountains in Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania are all part of this area.
• Set as my climate My climate

What if I can’t find my climate zone? If you can’t find your zone by looking at the map or the descriptions on this page, think of a place with a climate that is similar to yours and use that place’s zone as a guide.

What if I live on the border of two zones? If you live near the border between two zones we suggest you read the descriptions for both zones and decide which best describes the climate where you live. Depending on the microclimate in your garden, you may be able to grow a wider range of plants over a longer season than others in your zone. Lucky you!.

What is a microclimate? A microclimate is a small area where the temperature or humidity differs to the climate of the surrounding area. For instance, if you live in an area where frosts are common but your garden is protected by walls or big trees, it might not freeze. Similarly, if you live in a warm temperate zone but your garden is at a high altitude your microclimate may have more in common with the cool temperate zone, so use this as a guide when deciding which zone is relevant to you.

Can I grow varieties not listed for my climate zone? While our climate zones and sowing chart will help you decide what is suitable to plant in your garden, they provide general guidance only. We recommend you start by sowing seed that’s recommended for your climate zone; once you get a few successes under your belt you can experiment with varieties in neighbouring zones and see how you go – gardening is all about experimenting after all!

Grow Guide #2405 Family: Lamiaceae Binomial name: Nepeta mussinii Life Cycle: Perennial

This How to Grow guide details everything a home gardener needs to know to plant, grow and care for Catmint (Nepeta mussinii).

When to Sow Catmint Seeds

Catmint is a perennial plant that grows year round in most climates. Use the table below to identify the best time of year to sow catmint seeds in your climate.

JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEP	OCT	NOV	DEC
Cool
Temperate
Sub-Tropical
Tropical
Arid

• Includes: Alice Springs, Mildura, Albury-Wodonga, Shepparton, Wagga Wagga, Dubbo
• Summers are hot and dry, and winters can be warm or cool, depending on where you live. From the coast of Western Australia to Charleville (Qld), Tamworth (NSW), and Albury-Wodonga (NSW/Vic), this area is very big.

• Includes: Darwin, Cairns, Townsville, Exmouth
• It rains most of the year in the summer, and the winters are dry and warm. Ranges across northern Australia from Exmouth (WA) to south of Townsville (Qld).

• Cities like Brisbane, Bundaberg, Coffs Harbour, Hervey Bay, Mackay, Rockhampton, and the Sunshine Coast are included.
• Warm humid summers with high summer rainfall and mild winters. Along the coast of Queensland and northern New South Wales, from north of Mackay to just south of Coffs Harbour

• It includes Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle, Toowoomba, Wollongong, Bunbury, and the Central Coast of NSW.
• Moderate humidity and reliable rainfall, with four distinct seasons. Covers the coast of NSW from north of Port Macquarie to south of Woollongong, as well as the coast of SA and the southeast coast of WA.

• Includes: Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart, Launceston, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Mt Gambier
• It’s hot and dry in the summer and cold and dry in the winter, and there’s not much humidity. Some regions will experience frosts and snow. Australia’s southeast coast and the mountains in Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania are all part of this area.

Catmint plants are best grown in full sun. Choose a location that will receive at least 6 hours of full sun each day.

Catmint plants are perennial, meaning they live for several years. Choose a permanent position where plants can grow undisturbed by regular digging.

Catmint plants need a well drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Prepare soil by weeding it thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it and adding aged animal manure or compost. Keep the area free of weeds until planting. Learn more about preparing soil for planting here.

Catmint plants can be grown in containers. If possible choose a variety that’s recommended for container growing. Use a good quality potting mix and make sure your container is large enough for mature plants; a minimum of 10 litres is recommended for catmint. During the growing season, keep in mind that container grown plants may need additional fertiliser to encourage healthy growth.

How to grow Catmint｜Growing mints for your cat｜Catnip, Catenep｜How to grow #24 Catmint｜Eng Sub

FAQ

How long does it take to grow catmint from seed?

CatmintCold Winters. May– June. Mild Winters. March– May. Sun/Shade. Full sun. Sow Seeds. 1 inch apart. 1/4 inch deep. Days To Germinate. 10 – 15 days. Mature Height. 12 – 18 inches.

Is catmint easy to grow?

• Drought-tolerant:

  Catmint doesn’t need a lot of water, especially once it’s established, making it a good choice for low-maintenance gardens. 

• Pest and disease resistant:

  Catmint is generally resistant to pests and diseases, which means you’ll likely have fewer problems with your plant. 

• Easy to divide:

  If you want to expand your catmint collection, it’s easy to divide established plants. 

• Attracts pollinators:

  Catmint’s fragrant foliage and long-lasting blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, adding to the beauty and biodiversity of your garden. 

• Versatile:

  Catmint can be used in various garden settings, from mixed borders to pathway edging and even in containers. 

Is catnip hard to grow from seed?

Catnip seeds are tough and need to be hurt a little before they can sprout. This process is called “stratification.”

Does catmint come back every year?

• Perennial Nature:

  Catmint (Nepeta) is classified as a perennial, meaning it lives for more than two years and will return year after year. 

• Winter Dormancy:

  In the fall, the plant’s foliage will dry up and die back, but the roots remain dormant over the winter. 

• Spring Regrowth:

  In the spring, the plant will sprout new growth from its roots, restarting its growing cycle. 

• Long-Lived:

  Catmint is a long-lived perennial, meaning it can thrive for many years with proper care. 

• Maintenance:

  While catmint is generally low-maintenance, some varieties may benefit from being trimmed back after blooming to encourage more flowers or to keep the plant tidy. 

How do you grow a catmint plant?

Plant your catmint in full sun to get the best flowering. However, the plants will also grow well in partial shade. Humus-rich, well-draining soil is ideal. Many species can grow well in a lot of different types of soil, from dry clay to sandy or rocky soil. Catmint is not fussy about soil pH, growing well in a wide range (5. 0 to 8. 0).

Can you grow catmint from seed?

If you want to grow catmint from seed, make sure it’s not a hybrid variety. Many of the newer Nepeta varieties are sterile hybrids that don’t make healthy seeds. You can also buy seed from a reputable seed company. Start the seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last spring frost in seed flats or small pots filled with potting soil mix.

When is the best time to plant catmint?

The best time to plant catmint is in the spring. Note that even though it’s an herb, it does require a lot of space between each plant. So be prepared for that. Start by using a planting kit (seed starter). You can also use a 3” pot with potting mix. Sow seeds indoors over the winter for spring planting. Plant 2-3 seeds per compartment and water.

Can catmint be grown organic?

If you want organic catmint, you can get organic seeds, use organic soil, etc. Most hardware stores or nurseries sell the seed packets. Or you can order them online. The best time to plant catmint is in the spring. Note that even though it’s an herb, it does require a lot of space between each plant. So be prepared for that.

How far apart should catmint seeds be planted?

pH: Grows best in neutral to slightly alkaline soil, around pH 6.6-7.5. Spacing: Space catmint plants 12-24 inches apart depending on variety size. Catmint seeds are very small, so proper planting technique is important for good germination. Follow these tips when sowing catmint seeds either indoors or out:

How long do catmint seeds take to germinate?

Seeds should germinate in around 10-20 days at a soil temperature of 21-27°C. Transplant seedlings to the garden once they have their first true leaves and are large enough to handle (usually 5-10cm tall). Plant out, spacing plants 60cm apart. Optional: In cool climates catmint seeds can be sown indoors 6 weeks before the last expected frost.