How to Grow Catmint Kit Cat
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Catmint Kit Cat
Nepeta × faassenii 'Kit Cat'
herbKit Cat is a compact cultivar of catmint, a herbaceous perennial known for its aromatic gray-green foliage and delicate purple-blue flowers. This dwarf variety reaches only 12-18 inches tall, making it ideal for borders, containers, and small gardens. It blooms prolifically from late spring through fall and attracts pollinators while being resistant to deer and rabbits.
When should you plant Catmint Kit Cat in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Catmint Kit Cat timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Catmint Kit Cat
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Catmint Kit Cat
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Catmint Kit Cat dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, excellent cold hardiness
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Get my Catmint Kit Cat timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with first true leaves appearing; very delicate with minimal foliage
Keep soil lightly moist but not wet. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing early to prevent overcrowding.
Vegetative
4-6 weeksRapid leaf development; plants build compact mounding shape with gray-green aromatic foliage becoming dense
Reduce watering frequency as plant establishes. Pinch back tips early to encourage bushier growth. Begin applying drought stress to acclimate.
Flowering
8-12 weeks or moreSpikes of small purple-blue tubular flowers emerge from leaf axils; flowers cover the plant creating a colorful haze
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. No feeding necessary; too much nitrogen reduces flowers. Maintain dry conditions.
Established Perennial
Perennial; 3-5+ yearsMature compact mound 12-18 inches tall with woody base, continuous flower production, fully aromatic foliage
Cut back in early spring to rejuvenate. Extremely drought and heat tolerant. No fertilizer needed. Divide every 3-4 years if desired.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap if severe. Improve air circulation.
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Ensure excellent drainage and air flow; avoid overhead watering. Remove affected leaves. Fungicide if necessary.
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and capture adults.
Uses
Herbal tea and infusions
CulinaryFresh or dried catmint leaves make a pleasant, mild herbal tea with a gentle minty-floral flavor. Often blended with other herbs for digestive or calming infusions. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalCatmint has been used in folk medicine for centuries to support digestive comfort, relaxation, and mild respiratory function. Often taken as a warm tea. [source]
Pollinator magnet
WildlifeKit Cat's abundant flowers are irresistible to bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, making it excellent for supporting pollinator populations in gardens. [source]
Cat enrichment
HouseholdWhile called catmint, the flavor and scent appeal more to some cats than others. Can be dried and stuffed in toys or grown as a living enrichment plant for feline companions. [source]
Dried flowers and arrangements
CraftThe delicate purple-blue flower spikes dry beautifully and maintain their color for months, making them ideal for dried arrangements and craft projects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pinch or cut stems throughout the growing season for fresh use in tea or cooking. Best harvested in morning after dew dries. For drying, harvest just as flowers open, tie in bundles, and hang in well-ventilated area. Can be harvested from late spring through first frost.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Kit Cat is a sterile hybrid (Nepeta × faassenii), meaning it won't produce viable seeds and won't self-sow aggressively, making it a controlled garden choice unlike some catmint species.
- 🌱 Catmint foliage releases an intoxicating aroma when brushed or walked past, filling the garden with fragrance without requiring physical harvesting.
- 🌱 The 'Kit Cat' cultivar name reflects its compact size—small enough to be 'kitten-sized' compared to larger catmint varieties, while the original name 'catmint' comes from the genus Nepeta.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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