Variety Info.:
Botanical Name: Nepeta cataria
Family: Lamiaceae
Native: Eurasia
Hardiness: Hardy perennial in USDA zones 3 and warmer
Plant Dimensions: 3′ tall and wide
Variety Information: Pale green, soft leaves that emit a characteristic, pungent, minty odor when crushed. Small white or lavender tubular flowers massed at the ends of stems in early to midsummer with scattered blooming through early fall.
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Attributes: Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Good for Containers
Sowing Info.:
When to Sow Outside: 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date. Sow as late as 2 months before your average first fall frost date. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 60°–70°F.
When to Start Inside: 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date.
Days to Emerge: 10–15 days
Seed Depth: ⅛”–¼’
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 12″
Row Spacing: 36″
Thinning: When 2″ tall, thin to 1 every 12″
Growing Info.:
Harvesting: Cut stems about 4″ from the ground. Tie branches with string or rubber bands, and hang upside down in a brown paper bag, in a cat-free, dry location until leaves crumble easily. Keep dried flowers and leaves, discard the stems. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry location.
