Catmint (Nepeta Mussinii) - Grow this member of the mint family from Nepeta Mussinii seeds. Nepeta Mussinii Catmint forms a low-growing mound of fragrant foliage with spikes of 12 inch violet-blue flowers. Catmint is very easy to grow from flower seed, and if the seeds are sown early in the season, it will bloom the first year. It is a perennial that blooms like an annual. The foliage is vigorous and spreads to a width of 10 - 12 inches. Catmint plants works great as a general ground cover, accent plant, pathway edger, rock garden specimen, or in the herb garden. Like catnip, Nepeta Catmint attracts cats, and its flowers furnish nectar for hummingbirds and bees.

Growing Catmint from seed is not difficult. After the danger of frost has passed, in a prepared seedbed that is in full sun to partial shade, sow the Nepeta Mussinii seeds directly outdoors, preferably in soil that drains well. Press the Catmint seeds into the soil but do not cover them, and keep the flower seeds moist until germination. Thin the seedlings to 12 inches apart and pinch off the growing tips to promote a bushy growth habit. Care of Catmint plants includes trimming the plants back after blooming to encourage a second bloom. Catmint plants are aggressive and don't need much care, but an application of fertilizer 1 - 2 times during the growing season is beneficial. Give Nepeta plants lots of space as they will spread. Many gardeners will border them with an edging. Well-established Catmint plants can be divided in the spring.