How to Grow Mainacht
Wikimedia Commons
Mainacht
Nepeta × faassenii 'Mainacht'
flowerMainacht (also called 'Six Hills Giant') is a hybrid catmint cultivar prized for its deep violet-blue flowers and aromatic foliage. This compact, mounding perennial blooms prolifically from late spring through fall, attracting pollinators and butterflies. It's a low-maintenance garden workhorse that thrives in poor to average soil and tolerates drought once established.
When should you plant Mainacht 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 Mainacht timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Mainacht
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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First Mainacht blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Mainacht dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; performs best in zones 4-8
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny leaves emerging from soil; delicate and low-growing with light green foliage
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light; avoid hot direct sun initially. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksBushy mound forming with gray-green aromatic foliage; compact growth habit becoming apparent
Water moderately as roots establish. Begin reducing watering frequency. Pinch back tips in early growth to encourage bushiness. No fertilizer needed.
Flowering
June-October (4-5 months)Dense spikes of small violet-blue tubular flowers emerge above foliage; prolific blooming throughout the season
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent excessive self-seeding. Water sparingly. Avoid fertilizing; it promotes weak growth.
Established Perennial
Ongoing year to yearMature mounding plant 18-24 inches tall; dense foliage with seasonal flower cycles
Cut back hard in late fall or early spring to rejuvenate plant. Requires minimal care. Divide every 3-4 years if desired. Monitor for powdery mildew in humid conditions.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation by spacing plants adequately. Avoid overhead watering. Remove affected foliage. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide spray in humid conditions; mostly a cosmetic issue.
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Rare but possible in dry conditions. Increase humidity by misting foliage. Use miticide spray if severe.
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and
Use copper barriers or traps. Handpick early morning. Encourage ground beetles and other natural predators.
Uses
Herbal tea and flavoring
CulinaryCatmint leaves can be brewed into a mild, pleasant herbal tea with a minty-floral flavor. Fresh or dried foliage adds aromatic interest to beverages and can be used as a culinary garnish. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalCatmint has been used in folk medicine for centuries to support relaxation and digestive comfort. Contains volatile oils including thymol and carvacrol with mild antimicrobial properties. [source]
Dried flower and herb arrangements
HouseholdViolet-blue flowers dry beautifully and retain color well, making them excellent for dried floral arrangements, potpourri, and craft projects. Foliage remains aromatic when dried. [source]
Pollinator and butterfly plant
WildlifeMainacht is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it an essential plant for pollinator gardens. Provides abundant nectar and pollen throughout the long blooming season. [source]
Fragrant craft supplies
CraftDried foliage and flowers are used in sachets, herbal pillows, and fragrance crafts. The essential oils release their aromatic character when dried or crushed. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For dried flowers and foliage, cut stems in mid-morning after dew dries, when flowers are freshly opened. Tie in bundles and hang upside-down in a dry, airy location. For culinary use, harvest fresh foliage just before flowers open for best flavor. Deadhead regularly to extend blooming season through fall.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Mainacht is named after the German word for 'May night,' reflecting its spectacular spring and early summer flowering peak.
- 🌱 Catmints are beloved by cats (though less so than catnip); crushing the leaves may attract felines to the garden.
- 🌱 This cultivar is extremely drought-tolerant and was bred specifically for xeriscape and low-water gardens; mature plants can thrive on rainfall alone in most climates.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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