Nepeta cataria (75-85 days) This 24-48” tall perennial herb is winter hardy to Zone 3. It’s gray-green leaves and small white flowers attract lacewings and pollinators. The dried leaves make a wonderful lemony-mint flavored tea. It is a well-known favorite of cats, while repelling mosquitoes, cockroaches and termites.
Sow transplant seedlings indoors 5-6 wks before last frost. Thinly cover seed with vermiculite; seeds require light to germinate. Avg. Days to Germ.: 7-10. Thin to 1 plant/cell; transplant with 12-18” spacing. Once established, pinch growing tip for branching and a bushier plant.
For direct seeding, plant after last spring frost or in early fall at 2-3 seeds/inch. Tamp seed onto the surface, barely cover them; seeds require light to germinate.Thin to 12-18” spacing. Full sun. Moderate water. Zones 3-9.