Catmint Nepeta × faassenii 'Kit Cat'

Water

Catmint should be watered regularly but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to promote strong root development. Typically, deep watering once a week with approximately one gallon of water per plant is sufficient, but this can vary depending on your climate and soil conditions. During prolonged dry spells or extreme heat, you may need to increase the frequency to twice per week. Always check the top inch of soil for moisture before watering to ensure you're not overwatering, as catmint prefers well-drained soil and can be prone to root rot if kept too wet.

Light

Catmint thrives in full sun, which means it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for catmint would be an area that provides ample morning sunlight and partial shade in the afternoon, although it can also tolerate full-day sun. Avoid planting in full shade, as this can lead to poor growth and reduced flowering.

Temperature

Catmint is hardy in a wide range of temperatures but grows best between 60°F and 70°F. It can survive temperatures down to about -30°F and it can endure high temperatures as long as the plant is well-watered during hot spells. Extremes on either end, while survivable, can stress the plant and affect its health and flowering.

Pruning

Pruning catmint helps to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and can promote a second bloom in the season. Prune back the plant by about a third after the first flush of flowers fade, usually in late spring or early summer. Regular deadheading of spent flowers can also be beneficial during the blooming season. The best time for significant pruning is either after the first flowering or in early spring before new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Catmint 'Kit Cat' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The best soil mix for this plant is a combination of garden soil, compost, and sharp sand to ensure adequate drainage. Adding a bit of gravel can also help with aeration and drainage, which is essential for healthy root development.

Repotting

Catmint 'Kit Cat' does not need frequent repotting; it should be repotted every 2-3 years, or when you notice signs of the plant outgrowing its current container, such as roots emerging from the drainage holes.

Humidity & Misting

Catmint 'Kit Cat' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity to thrive. It is typically happy in the ambient humidity found in most outdoor environments, making it quite versatile.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, regular pruning, and good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil, water when dry.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

Nepeta × faassenii 'Kit Cat', commonly known as Catmint 'Kit Cat', begins its life as a seed, typically germinating in the spring when soil temperatures reach a suitable warmth. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with characteristic fragrant foliage and a compact growth habit. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, producing robust stems and leaf nodes while establishing a strong root system. Following the vegetative stage, Catmint 'Kit Cat' enters the flowering stage in late spring to summer, producing lavender-blue flowers that attract bees and butterflies. After pollination, if viable seeds are produced, they disperse, potentially giving rise to new plants; however, this hybrid often produces sterile seeds, with propagation mainly through division or cuttings. As the growing season wanes in the autumn, the plant goes dormant, with the aerial parts dying back to the ground in climates with cold winters, while the root system remains alive to regenerate the plant in the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Catmint, specifically Nepeta × faassenii 'Kit Cat', can be effectively propagated during the spring or early summer using stem cuttings. A popular method involves taking a healthy, non-flowering stem and cutting it to a length of about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm). The leaves from the lower half of the cutting should be carefully stripped off, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Then, the cutting should be planted in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or sand, ensuring good moisture retention and drainage. The pot should be placed in a warm environment with indirect light and kept consistently moist. In a few weeks, the cuttings will develop roots, after which they can be transplanted to their desired location in the garden.