Catmint (Nepeta catari)

Perennial spice plant. Branched stems, velvety leaves, with a high content of essential oil and tannins, give the leaves a pleasant burning taste and a strong lemon-mint flavor. Grown by sowing seeds in the spring or winter. Fresh and dried leaves recommended using for flavoring drinks, marinades, sauces as a seasoning for meat and fish dishes. Package content 0.1 g approx. 150 fresh seeds ******************************************************************************************************************************************** INSTRUCTIONS. Sowing: Late winter to late spring or sow late summer to autumn. Sowing Indoors: Sow seed on the surface of lightly firmed, moist seed compost in pots or trays. Cover seed with a light sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged. Germination 7 to 21 days at temperatures of 16 to 22°C (60 to 70°F). When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Overwinter the autumn sowings indoors and plant out the following spring. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10 to 15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart. Sowing Direct: Sow in spring to early summer when all risk of frost has gone. Seeds can be sown outdoors, directly where they are to flower. They can be broadcast in drifts or can be sown in more formal beds and borders. Sow the seed in short drills 12mm (½ in) deep from March to May, at temperatures around 20°C (68°F). Cover lightly with soil, mark the sowing areas with a ring of light coloured sand and label if sowing more than one variety in the same bed. Seeds germinate in two to three weeks. The seedlings can be told from nearby weed seedlings quite easily. Thin the seedlings out so they are finally 30cm (12in) apart by early summer. Alternatively, leave them to grow as small clumps, of 4 to 6 plants every 30cm (12in) or so. Compost should be kept slightly moist, but not wet at all times. Cultivation: For best results, plant in any ordinary, well-drained soil in full sun. To prevent cats from flattening the plant, insert several twiggy sticks into the centre. If the soil is particularly poor, fertilise a little with weak solution of liquid fertilise. Otherwise do not fertilise as this can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowering. Prune back older foliage on the outside after blooming to encourage new growth and a more compact, denser plant. Lift and divide large clumps in spring, replanting divided specimens with lots of well-rotted organic matter. If powdery mildew becomes a problem prune out the affected areas.