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How to Grow White Catmint

White Catmint

Nepeta cataria var. alba

herb

White catmint is a perennial herb with aromatic foliage and delicate white flowers, a color variant of the traditional purple-flowered catmint. It belongs to the mint family and attracts bees, butterflies, and is beloved by cats. This hardy plant is easy to grow and makes an excellent addition to herb gardens, borders, and pollinator gardens.

When should you plant White Catmint in your zone?

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Example White Catmint timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant White Catmint

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest White Catmint

    Around Jun 16

    ≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact White Catmint dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade
💧
Water: Water regularly during establishment; drought tolerant once established. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.
📏
Spacing: 18 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 60-90 days for first flowering
🌱
Planting depth: Surface sow seeds (light is needed for germination) or transplant seedlings at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Compost for organic matter Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Avoid heavy clay or wet soils

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-9, extremely cold and heat tolerant

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

1

Seed/Germination

1-2 weeks

Seeds are tiny and require light to germinate; minimal growth visible initially

Sow on soil surface or press lightly into moist soil. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination occurs in 7-14 days at 65-75°F.

2

Seedling/Vegetative

3-6 weeks

Small plants with opposite, aromatic leaves developing; no flowering yet

Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Water regularly and ensure good drainage. Begin hardening off transplants before moving outdoors.

3

Growth & Establishment

4-8 weeks

Plant develops bushy growth habit with increasingly fragrant foliage; begins to spread

Water during dry spells but reduce frequency as plant matures. No fertilizer needed for herb quality. Pinch back tips to encourage bushier growth.

4

Flowering

6-12 weeks (mid-summer through fall)

Delicate white or pale pink flowers appear in dense spikes above foliage, attracting pollinators

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Can harvest leaves anytime for fresh or dried use.

5

Dormancy/Winter

3-4 months

Foliage dies back in cold climates; plant becomes dormant underground

Cut back dead stems in late fall or early spring. No watering needed. Mulch lightly in colder zones for extra protection.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lavender Sage Thyme Rosemary Echinacea Coreopsis Black-eyed Susan Bee balm Oregano Marjoram

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (in large quantities, as catmint may inhibit growth) Plants preferring consistently moist soil

Common Pests

  • Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil if severe. Increase humidity around plants.

  • Monitor with yellow sticky traps; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.

  • Use row covers on young plants; apply neem oil or spinosad if damage appears.

  • Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or baking soda spray if needed.

Uses

🍳

Herbal Tea & Infusions

Culinary

Fresh or dried leaves make a soothing, minty tea with a gentle citrus note. Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes. [source]

💊

Digestive & Relaxation Support

Medicinal

Traditionally used to support digestion, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation. Contains compounds that may have mild sedative properties. [source]

🦋

Pollinator & Cat Attraction

Wildlife

Excellent nectar and pollen source for honeybees and butterflies; famous for attracting cats who enjoy rolling in the foliage and chewing leaves. [source]

🏠

Natural Cat Toy & Enrichment

Household

Dried flowers and leaves can be stuffed into cat toys or toys for feline enrichment and play stimulation. [source]

🎨

Dried Arrangements & Potpourri

Craft

Dried white flowers and aromatic leaves are attractive in dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and homemade potpourri blends. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest leaves anytime once plant is established; pinch off flower tops for best flavor. For drying, cut stems in late morning after dew dries but before flowers fully open. Dry upside down in bundles in a warm, airy location. Harvest heavily in spring and early summer; light harvesting in fall.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 White catmint's scientific name, 'cataria,' comes from its irresistible effect on cats—the plant contains nepetalactone, a volatile compound that triggers a euphoric response in approximately 70% of cats.
  • 🌱 Despite its common name, white catmint was historically used more for human medicinal purposes than for cats; medieval herbalists valued it for fevers, digestive complaints, and anxiety.
  • 🌱 Catmint is extremely drought tolerant once established and actually prefers poor to average soil; over-rich soil can reduce essential oil concentration and make the plant less attractive to pollinators.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Germination Hardening Off Mulch Partial Shade Perennial Pinch Back Transplant
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