Nepeta Mussini or Catmint

I have this growing in the gardens on the footpath. It may be a small plant but it sure does add a pop of colour. Once established, it will produced long spikes of flowers that are excellent for use in floral arrangements.

This aromatic, perennial plant known for its spikes of lavender-blue flowers and grey-green foliage that attracts cats. It is hardy, easy to grow, and used as an edging or groundcover plant. Nepeta is very attractive to bees and other beneficial pollinating insects. Grow Nepeta in sunny borders or raised beds in free-draining soil. Trim back faded stems to encourage more blooms during summer and once growth dies back in ar, cut back to the ground before spring. Height 60cm with a spread of around 45cm.

Catnip is easy to dry at a low temperature in a dehydrator, or you can hang the stems in small bunches to dry in a warm, airy place. Store dried catnip in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.

Nepeta seeds can be sown any time of the year in warm zones. In cooler areas, seeds are best sown in autumn and grown to about 10cm in height. Plants are then transfer into the garden when the danger of frost has past. Seeds should germinate in around 10-20 days at a soil temperature of 21-27°C. There is time to grow these seeds before frost sets in but I wouldn't transplant them to the garden until next spring. This means you would need to over winter them somewhere warm. Sprinkle seeds on top of soil and water in. Keep seeds damp but not wet.

Seeds currently available.

$5.00 - 30 open pollinated seeds

$4.00 - postage within Australia

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