Some people love her, while others are happy when she has finally disappeared from the garden. Catnip readily and quickly reproduces on its own through self-sowing. But you can also take the propagation into your own hands.
How to propagate catnip?
Catnip can be propagated by sowing, dividing or propagating from cuttings. Sowing takes place in spring, division between April and June, and cuttings are propagated in early spring or autumn.
Method 1: Sowing
After flowering, catnip produces numerous small seeds. This is how they become new perennials:
- collect in autumn and sow in spring
- cover lightly with nutrient-poor soil
- ideal germination temperature: 20 °C
- Keep soil moist
- The seeds germinate after 2 to 3 weeks
- plant after the Ice Saints
Method 2: Division
Another method is dividing catnip. Over the years, a small perennial grows into a plant that takes up a lot of space and tends to lose vigor over time. Therefore, it is advisable to divide catnip every 2 to 3 years.
The best period is between April and June. The old plant is dug up. Then take a spade (€29.00 on Amazon) and cut the plant in half. The root balls are watered generously before planting. Then they grow well.
Method 3: Propagation from cuttings
In early spring or autumn, for example when the plant is pruned annually, cuttings can be propagated. This method is the most common, fastest and most effective.
Procedure:
- cut off a 7 to 10 cm long shoot
- remove lower leaves
- Place the cutting in a glass or vase with water
- Leave in a bright, warm location - Warning: Out of reach of cats)
- Renew water regularly to avoid rot
- when rooted, plant in soil
Tips & Tricks
There are varieties that are difficult or impossible to propagate by sowing. These include, for example, small catnip/blue mint and white-flowering catnip.
