Where Can I Buy Catmint Plants

Catmint (Nepeta) is a drought-tolerant perennial that attracts pollinators and repels pests. You can buy catmint plants at local nurseries, big-box garden centers, online plant retailers, and specialty mail-order nurseries. This guide covers the best sources, what to look for when purchasing, and tips for getting healthy plants that thrive in your garden.

Key Takeaways

• Local nurseries offer the best selection: Independent garden centers carry regionally adapted varieties and provide expert advice for your specific growing conditions.
• Big-box stores provide convenience: Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart stock popular catmint varieties like ‘Walker’s Low’ at competitive prices during spring and summer.
• Online retailers ship nationwide: Reputable companies like Proven Winners, Bluestone Perennials, and Nature Hills Nursery deliver healthy plants directly to your door.
• Specialty nurseries have rare varieties: Mail-order specialists offer unique cultivars like ‘Six Hills Giant,’ ‘Blue Wonder,’ and ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ that local stores rarely carry.
• Check plant health before buying: Look for compact growth, green foliage without yellowing, white roots, and no signs of pests or disease on leaves and stems.
• Timing matters for success: Spring and early fall are ideal planting times, giving roots time to establish before extreme heat or cold arrives.
• Compare prices and guarantees: Online prices range from $8-$25 per plant; many retailers offer 1-year guarantees, making mail-order a low-risk option for gardeners.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Where can I buy catmint plants locally?

Check independent nurseries, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart garden centers, farmers markets, and Master Gardener plant sales in your area.

What is the best time to buy catmint?

Spring offers the widest selection, but fall often has better prices and larger plants that establish well before winter.

Can I buy catmint plants online?

Yes, many reputable retailers like Nature Hills Nursery, Bluestone Perennials, and High Country Gardens ship catmint nationwide.

How much do catmint plants cost?

Prices range from $3-8 at plant sales to $10-15 at big-box stores, $14-22 at local nurseries, and $18-35 plus shipping online.

What catmint variety should I buy?

‘Walker’s Low’ is the most reliable all-around choice. ‘Blue Wonder’ stays compact. ‘Six Hills Giant’ makes a bold statement. ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ blooms earlier.

Introduction

Catmint has become one of my favorite perennials over the years. The soft gray-green foliage and lavender-blue flower spikes create a beautiful haze in the garden from late spring through fall. Bees and butterflies absolutely love it. Deer and rabbits tend to leave it alone. And the best part? It asks for very little in return.

If you are wondering where can i buy catmint plants, you have come to the right place. I have purchased catmint from just about every source imaginable over the past decade. Local nurseries. Big-box stores. Online specialty growers. Plant swaps with gardening friends. Each option has its pros and cons. This guide walks you through all of them so you can find healthy plants that will thrive in your specific garden conditions.

Understanding Catmint Before You Buy

What Is Catmint?

Catmint belongs to the genus Nepeta, part of the mint family Lamiaceae. It is closely related to catnip (Nepeta cataria) but grown primarily for ornamental value rather than feline entertainment. Most garden catmints are hybrids of Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta nepetella. They form tidy mounds of aromatic foliage topped with spikes of small tubular flowers in shades of blue, lavender, pink, or white.

The plants are incredibly tough. They handle drought once established. They laugh at poor soil. They bloom for months with minimal deadheading. And they bring in beneficial insects by the dozens. No wonder they have become staples in pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, and xeriscapes across the country.

Popular Catmint Varieties You Will Encounter

When you start looking for where can i buy catmint plants, you will see certain varieties again and again. ‘Walker’s Low’ is the industry standard. It won the Perennial Plant of the Year award in 2007. It grows 24 to 30 inches tall and wide with lavender-blue flowers. ‘Six Hills Giant’ is larger, reaching 36 inches with deeper blue blooms. ‘Blue Wonder’ stays compact at 12 to 15 inches, perfect for front borders. ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ is a newer Proven Winners introduction that blooms earlier and stays neat at 14 inches. ‘Junior Walker’ is a dwarf version of the classic at 18 inches. ‘Purrsian Blue’ forms a tight ball of foliage with sky-blue flowers.

Knowing which variety you want helps narrow your search. Some retailers specialize in certain lines. Proven Winners varieties like ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ and ‘Purrsian Blue’ are widely available at garden centers that carry that brand. Older cultivars like ‘Walker’s Low’ and ‘Six Hills Giant’ show up almost everywhere.

What to Look for in a Healthy Catmint Plant

Before you buy, know what a good plant looks like. Healthy catmint has stems that are firm, not floppy. The foliage should be gray-green to green without yellowing, browning, or spots. Check the crown where stems meet soil. It should be clean with no mushy areas or signs of crown rot. Gently slip the plant from its pot if possible. Roots should be white or light tan, not dark brown or black. They should hold the soil together but not be a dense mat circling the bottom. Avoid plants with weeds growing in the pot. That tells you the nursery has not been maintaining them well.

Also check for pests. Aphids sometimes cluster on new growth. Spider mites leave fine webbing and stippled leaves. Whiteflies flutter up when you disturb the plant. Any of these mean you should shop elsewhere. A reputable seller will not mind you inspecting the plants.

Buying Catmint at Local Independent Nurseries

Why Local Nurseries Are Often the Best Choice

If you ask experienced gardeners where can i buy catmint plants, most will tell you to start with your local independent nursery. These businesses are run by people who live and garden in your area. They know your soil, your climate, your pest pressures, and your growing season. The plants they carry are chosen because they perform well locally. Many grow their own stock or source from regional wholesale growers who acclimate plants to your conditions.

The staff at good independent nurseries can answer specific questions. They can tell you which variety handles your humid summers best. They can warn you about a variety that flops in your heavy clay. They can suggest companion plants that bloom at the same time. That kind of knowledge is priceless, especially if you are new to gardening or new to the area.

How to Find Quality Independent Nurseries Near You

Search online for “independent nursery near me” or “local garden center” plus your city name. Check reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, or Angi. Look for comments about plant quality, staff knowledge, and selection. Ask gardening friends where they shop. Join local gardening groups on Facebook or Nextdoor. The recommendations you get from actual gardeners in your area are more reliable than any advertisement.

Visit a few nurseries before buying. Walk the aisles. Look at the overall condition of the plants. Are they watered properly? Are they labeled clearly? Are the aisles clean and organized? A well-run nursery takes pride in presentation. Talk to the staff. Ask a question or two about catmint. See if they know the difference between ‘Walker’s Low’ and ‘Junior Walker.’ Their answer tells you a lot.

What to Expect at a Good Local Nursery

Prices at independent nurseries are often higher than big-box stores. A one-gallon catmint might cost $14 to $22 versus $10 to $14 at a chain. But you are paying for larger, better-rooted plants, regionally appropriate varieties, and expert advice. Many local nurseries offer guarantees. Some will replace a plant that dies within a year if you have the receipt and followed basic care instructions. Ask about their policy.

Selection varies by season. Spring brings the biggest inventory. Early summer still has good choices. Fall often has sales on remaining stock, which is fine for planting in many zones. Winter selection is minimal in cold climates but decent in mild ones. Call ahead if you want a specific variety. They can tell you if they have it or when the next shipment arrives.

Buying Catmint at Big-Box Garden Centers

The Convenience Factor

Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, and similar retailers are where many people first look when wondering where can i buy catmint plants. They are everywhere. They have long hours. You can grab a plant while picking up mulch, tools, and groceries. The prices are competitive. A one-gallon ‘Walker’s Low’ might be $11.98 at Home Depot versus $17.99 at a local nursery. For gardeners on a budget or those needing many plants, the savings add up.

What You Gain and What You Give Up

The trade-off is expertise and plant care. Big-box garden centers receive plants on pallets from large wholesale growers. The plants sit on concrete or asphalt in full sun, watered by overhead irrigation systems on timers. Staff may have minimal plant training. They restock shelves but do not necessarily groom plants, remove spent flowers, or scout for pests. A plant that looks great on delivery day can decline fast in those conditions.

Varieties are limited to proven sellers. You will almost always find ‘Walker’s Low.’ You might find ‘Junior Walker’ or ‘Blue Wonder.’ You will rarely find ‘Six Hills Giant,’ ‘Cat’s Pajamas,’ or newer introductions unless the buyer for that region requested them. Labels sometimes have minimal information. The plant tag might just say “Catmint – Nepeta” without the cultivar name.

Tips for Success at Big-Box Stores

Shop early in the season. The first shipment in spring is the freshest. Shop early in the week. Weekend crowds pick over the best plants. Shop early in the day. Plants watered that morning look better than those baked all afternoon. Inspect every plant carefully. Pull it from the pot. Check roots. Check for pests. Reject any that look stressed. Ask when the next delivery comes. Some stores get fresh stock weekly in spring.

Keep your receipt. Most big-box stores have a one-year plant guarantee. If your catmint dies, bring the dead plant and receipt for a refund or exchange. Take photos when you plant. Some stores ask for proof of proper planting. Know the policy before you need it.

Buying Catmint Online from Major Retailers

Proven Winners and Brand-Name Programs

Proven Winners is a plant brand, not a retailer. But their website has a “Find a Retailer” tool that shows local garden centers carrying their varieties. If you want ‘Cat’s Pajamas,’ ‘Purrsian Blue,’ or ‘Cat’s Meow,’ this tool saves driving around. Many independent nurseries and some big-box stores carry Proven Winners lines. The plants come in distinctive white pots with the Proven Winners logo. Quality is generally consistent because the brand sets standards for growers.

Other branded programs include Monrovia, Endless Summer, and First Editions. Each has a retailer locator. Monrovia in particular is known for high-quality woody plants and perennials sold through independent garden centers. Their catmint offerings tend to be the classic varieties grown to a high standard.

Large Online Plant Retailers

Several companies specialize in shipping plants nationwide. Nature Hills Nursery, Fast Growing Trees, and Garden Goods Direct are among the biggest. They offer catmint in various sizes from quart pots to three-gallon containers. Prices range from about $18 to $45 plus shipping, depending on size. They often run sales and offer bulk discounts. Shipping is calculated by weight and distance.

The advantage is selection. These sites typically carry five to ten catmint varieties with detailed descriptions, mature sizes, hardiness zones, bloom times, and companion plant suggestions. You can compare side by side. You can read customer reviews. You can order at midnight in your pajamas. The plants arrive at your door in boxes designed for live plants.

The disadvantage is you cannot inspect before buying. You trust the company to send healthy plants. Reputable retailers have guarantees. Nature Hills offers a one-year warranty. Fast Growing Trees has a 30-day guarantee plus a one-year “thrive” guarantee on many plants. Read the fine print. Some require photos of the plant in the original packaging, photos of the planting site, and proof of proper care. Keep all packaging and take photos immediately upon arrival.

What to Expect When Plants Arrive by Mail

Plants ship in various states. Some arrive in their pots with soil, wrapped to prevent spillage. Some arrive bare-root, especially in early spring or late fall. Bare-root plants look dead but are just dormant. They should be planted immediately. Potted plants may have been in a dark box for two to five days. They will be thirsty and possibly a bit yellowed. Water them thoroughly. Place them in bright indirect light for a few days before planting. Do not put them straight into full sun. They need to re-acclimate.

Inspect immediately. Contact the seller within 24 hours if plants are damaged, severely wilted, broken, or clearly diseased. Take photos. Most companies want to make it right. But they need prompt notification. Do not plant a questionable plant and then complain weeks later. That rarely ends well.

Buying Catmint from Specialty Mail-Order Nurseries

The Plant Geek Paradise

If you want the deepest selection and the highest quality, specialty mail-order nurseries are where can i buy catmint plants at their best. These are often small, family-run businesses owned by plant enthusiasts. They grow what they love. They trial new varieties. They maintain stock plants for years. They know every cultivar intimately. Their catalogs read like love letters to plants.

Top Specialty Nurseries for Catmint

Bluestone Perennials in Ohio has been shipping since 1972. They offer a dozen catmint varieties including ‘Walker’s Low,’ ‘Six Hills Giant,’ ‘Blue Wonder,’ ‘Dropmore,’ ‘Little Trudy,’ and ‘Psfike’ (Little Titch). Plants ship in 3.5-inch pots or as plug trays. They have a 100% guarantee. Prices are reasonable, around $9 to $13 per plant.

High Country Gardens in New Mexico specializes in waterwise and native plants. Their catmint selection focuses on xeric varieties. They carry ‘Walker’s Low,’ ‘Select Blue,’ ‘Little Trudy,’ and ‘Psfike.’ Plants are grown in the high desert, so they arrive tough and ready for difficult conditions. Prices run $10 to $14.

Plant Delights Nursery in North Carolina is famous for rare and unusual perennials. Owner Tony Avent travels the world collecting plants. Their catmint list includes species and cultivars you will not find anywhere else. Nepeta kubanica, Nepeta sibirica, Nepeta grandiflora ‘Dawn to Dusk.’ Prices are higher, $15 to $25, but you are getting plants that are essentially unavailable elsewhere.

Digging Dog Nursery in California offers a curated selection of garden-worthy perennials. Their catmint choices are excellent and well-described. They ship in fall and spring only. Quality is exceptional.

Lazy S’S Farm Nursery in Virginia is a hidden gem. They grow a wide range of Nepeta species and cultivars. Their printed catalog is a treasure. They are old-school. You may need to mail a check. But the plants are fantastic.

Why Specialty Nurseries Are Worth It

Plants from specialty nurseries are typically grown harder. They are not pushed with excessive fertilizer and water to size up fast for a spring sale. They are grown in conditions closer to your garden. They have better root systems. They transplant with less shock. They often bloom better the first year because they were not forced.

The information provided is deeper. Catalog descriptions include parentage, breeding history, specific cultural needs, and honest assessments of flaws. A specialty nursery will tell you that ‘Six Hills Giant’ needs staking in rich soil or that ‘Blue Wonder’ dislikes humidity. That honesty saves you frustration.

You are also supporting plant diversity. These nurseries keep older varieties alive. They trial new ones. They preserve genetics. Your purchase funds that work. For a plant lover, that matters.

Buying Catmint at Plant Sales, Swaps, and Farmers Markets

Master Gardener and Botanical Garden Sales

Many county extension Master Gardener programs hold annual plant sales. These are fundraisers staffed by volunteers. Plants are often divisions from demonstration gardens or donations from local nurseries. Prices are low, often $3 to $8 for a nice division. The varieties are proven performers in your county. The volunteers can tell you exactly how each plant behaves locally because they grow them.

Botanical gardens and arboretums also hold sales. These feature plants from their collections. You might find unusual catmint species or selections not in commerce. The plants are grown by professional horticulturists. Quality is high. Check websites for dates. Spring and fall are typical. Arrive early for best selection.

Plant Swaps and Garden Club Exchanges

Local garden clubs, native plant societies, and neighborhood groups often organize plant swaps. People bring divisions from their gardens. You can get catmint for free or the cost of a pot. The plants are adapted to your exact microclimate. The gardener giving you the division can tell you how it performs in their yard, which is likely similar to yours.

Bring something to trade. Even if it is just extra seedlings or divided perennials from your own garden. Swaps run on reciprocity. Label your offerings. Talk to people. You will learn more in an hour at a swap than a week of reading.

Farmers Markets and Roadside Stands

Some small growers sell at farmers markets. Look for vendors with a good selection of perennials, not just annuals and vegetables. Ask if they grew the plants themselves. Local growers know their stock. Prices are fair. Plants are acclimated. You can often pre-order for the next market.

Roadside stands in rural areas sometimes have incredible plants at amazing prices. An old hand-painted sign saying “Perennials” might lead to a backyard nursery with rows of catmint grown in field soil. These are often the toughest plants you can buy. Cash only. Bring your own boxes.

Timing Your Catmint Purchase

Spring Buying

Spring is when the most catmint is available everywhere. Nurseries are fully stocked. Big-box stores get weekly shipments. Online retailers have full inventories. Specialty nurseries ship spring orders. The selection is widest. You can compare varieties side by side at local nurseries.

Planting in spring gives roots all season to establish before winter. In zones 3-6, plant after the last frost date. In zones 7-9, plant as early as March. In zones 10-11, spring planting works but fall is better. Spring-planted catmint may bloom the first summer, though not as heavily as established plants.

Watch for “forced” plants in early spring. Some big-box stores sell catmint in full bloom in April that was greenhouse-forced. It looks gorgeous but may struggle when planted into cool soil. Let it acclimate in a protected spot for a week or two. Pinch off the flowers at planting to redirect energy to roots.

Summer Buying

Summer selection declines but you can still find catmint. Local nurseries often carry it through summer. Big-box stores restock less frequently. Online retailers ship year-round but summer heat complicates shipping. Specialty nurseries often pause shipping in July and August.

Summer planting works if you water diligently. Plant in the evening or on a cloudy day. Water deeply daily for the first week, then every two to three days for a month. Mulch heavily. Provide temporary shade if a heat wave hits. The plant will survive but may not bloom until next year.

Fall Buying

Fall is my favorite time to buy and plant catmint. Many nurseries have sales to clear inventory. Prices drop 20 to 50 percent. The plants are often larger, having grown all season in their pots. Roots are well-developed. Fall planting gives roots time to establish in cool, moist soil before winter. The plant hits the ground running next spring.

In zones 3-6, plant by early October. In zones 7-9, plant through November. In zones 10-11, fall is the primary planting season. Water well at planting and weekly until ground freezes. Mulch after the ground freezes in cold zones to prevent frost heaving.

Selection is more limited in fall. Popular varieties sell out. But the classics like ‘Walker’s Low’ are usually still available. Specialty nurseries often have their best plants in fall because they have been growing them all season.

Winter Buying

In mild climates, winter buying and planting works fine. In cold climates, you are mostly limited to online retailers that ship dormant plants or bare-root stock. Some specialty nurseries ship in late winter for early spring planting. Order early for best selection. The plants arrive dormant. Keep them cool but not frozen until planting time. A garage or unheated basement works. Plant as soon as soil can be worked.

Comparing Costs Across Sources

Price Ranges by Source

Understanding typical prices helps you spot deals and avoid overpaying. Here are approximate ranges for a one-gallon or equivalent catmint plant:

• Big-box garden centers: $10 – $15
• Local independent nurseries: $14 – $22
• Large online retailers: $18 – $35 plus shipping ($10 – $25)
• Specialty mail-order nurseries: $9 – $15 plus shipping ($10 – $20)
• Plant sales and swaps: $3 – $8 or free
• Farmers markets and roadside stands: $5 – $12

Shipping changes the math for online orders. A $12 plant with $15 shipping costs $27 total. But four $12 plants with $15 shipping average $15.75 each. Many online retailers offer free shipping over a threshold, often $100 or $150. Consolidate orders with gardening friends to hit free shipping.

Value Beyond Price

The cheapest plant is not always the best value. A $5 plant that dies costs $5 plus your time and disappointment. A $20 plant that thrives for ten years costs $2 per year. Factor in guarantees. A one-year guarantee from a reputable seller effectively reduces risk to near zero. Factor in advice. The ten minutes a nursery owner spends telling you how to site and care for your catmint might be the difference between success and failure.

Consider plant size. A quart pot from a specialty nursery may have a better root system than a two-gallon pot from a big-box store that was potted up recently. A bare-root division from a plant swap may establish faster than a container plant with circling roots. Look at the plant, not the pot size.

Red Flags When Buying Catmint

At Any Retail Location

Walk away if you see these signs. Plants sitting in standing water. That causes root rot. Plants bone dry with soil pulled away from pot edges. That causes root desiccation. Weeds growing in the pots. That indicates neglect. Yellowing lower leaves. That indicates nutrient deficiency or overwatering. Leggy, stretched growth with wide internodes. That indicates insufficient light. Pests visible on leaves or flying around plants. That will come home with you. Fuzzy mold on soil surface. That is a fungal issue. Broken stems or crushed foliage. That is physical damage that invites disease.

Labels missing or illegible. You have no idea what variety you are buying. Staff who cannot answer basic questions. That suggests poor training or high turnover. No guarantee posted or honored. That suggests the seller does not stand behind their product.

Online Specific Red Flags

No guarantee or a guarantee with impossible conditions. No customer reviews or only glowing reviews with no detail. Photos that look like stock images rather than actual plants. Vague descriptions without mature size, hardiness zone, or bloom time. No contact information beyond a web form. Shipping only in extreme weather windows without heat packs or cold protection. Prices dramatically lower than everyone else. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Preparing for Your Catmint Purchase

Know Your Zone and Conditions

Before you spend a dime, know your USDA hardiness zone. Catmint is generally hardy in zones 3-8, with some varieties to zone 9. But heat tolerance varies. ‘Walker’s Low’ handles humidity better than ‘Six Hills Giant.’ ‘Blue Wonder’ dislikes hot humid nights. If you are in zone 9b in Florida, you need different varieties than zone 5b in Minnesota.

Know your sun exposure. Catmint wants full sun, at least six hours direct. It tolerates light shade but blooms less and may flop. Know your soil. Catmint prefers lean, well-drained soil. Rich, moist soil makes it floppy and short-lived. Clay is fine if it drains. Sand is great. If you have heavy clay that stays wet, amend with grit or plant in a raised bed.

Plan Your Space

Catmint spreads. ‘Walker’s Low’ reaches 30 inches wide. ‘Six Hills Giant’ hits 36 to 48 inches. ‘Blue Wonder’ stays 18 inches. Space accordingly. Crowded catmint gets powdery mildew and blooms poorly. Plan for mature width, not pot width. If planting a row, space at mature width for a hedge effect or 1.5 times mature width for distinct plants.

Have Your Tools Ready

When you bring plants home, plant them within a day or two. Have a shovel, compost, mulch, and water source ready. If you cannot plant immediately, keep plants in a sheltered spot with morning sun only. Water daily. Do not let them bake in black pots on asphalt. That cooks roots fast.

After You Buy: Getting Catmint Established

Planting Steps

Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot and the same depth. Loosen the soil at the bottom and sides. Remove the plant from its pot. If roots are circling, gently tease them apart or make three vertical slices down the root ball with a knife. This sounds harsh but prevents girdling roots. Place the plant so the crown sits at soil level. Not deeper. Not shallower. Backfill with native soil. Do not amend the planting hole with rich compost. That creates a “bathtub effect” where water collects in the amended soil and rots roots. If your soil is terrible, amend the whole bed, not just the hole.

Water thoroughly to settle soil and eliminate air pockets. Apply two to three inches of mulch. Keep mulch away from the crown. Shredded leaves, pine straw, or wood chips all work. Water every two to three days for the first three weeks, then weekly for the first growing season unless rain provides an inch per week.

First Year Care

Do not fertilize at planting. Catmint does not need it. Fertilizer makes weak, floppy growth. Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage rebloom. Shear the whole plant back by half after the first flush fades in midsummer. You will get a second bloom in late summer. In late fall, leave the foliage. It protects the crown over winter. Cut back in early spring before new growth emerges.

Watch for powdery mildew in humid climates. Good air circulation prevents it. Space plants properly. Do not water overhead. If mildew appears, remove affected leaves. Serious cases can be treated with neem oil or potassium bicarbonate spray. But prevention is easier.

Conclusion

Finding where can i buy catmint plants opens up a world of options. Local independent nurseries offer expertise and regionally adapted plants. Big-box stores offer convenience and low prices. Large online retailers offer selection and doorstep delivery. Specialty mail-order nurseries offer the best plants, the deepest knowledge, and the most unusual varieties. Plant sales, swaps, and farmers markets offer community, value, and locally proven divisions.

There is no single best source. The best source depends on what you value most. Expert advice? Go local. Lowest price? Check big-box sales or plant swaps. Widest selection? Browse specialty catalogs. Convenience? Order online. Many gardeners use multiple sources. I buy my tried-and-true ‘Walker’s Low’ at the local nursery where I can chat with the owner. I order ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ online because my nursery does not carry Proven Winners. I get divisions of ‘Six Hills Giant’ from my gardening neighbor who has grown it for twenty years.

Wherever you buy, choose healthy plants. Plant them well. Water them faithfully the first year. Then step back and watch the bees arrive. Catmint rewards modest care with months of bloom, fragrance, and life. It is one of the few plants that truly delivers on the promise of low maintenance and high impact. Happy planting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy catmint plants near me?

Search for independent nurseries, garden centers, or big-box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s in your area. Use Google Maps or the Proven Winners retailer locator to find stores carrying specific varieties.

Is it better to buy catmint online or in person?

Buying in person lets you inspect plant health and get local advice. Online offers more variety and convenience. Both work well if you choose reputable sources with guarantees.

When is catmint available for purchase?

Catmint is widely available spring through fall at most nurseries. Spring has the best selection. Fall has sales. Some online retailers ship year-round, weather permitting.

How do I know if a catmint plant is healthy?

Look for firm stems, gray-green foliage without yellowing or spots, white roots that hold soil but are not circling, and no pests or weeds in the pot.

Can I grow catmint from seed instead of buying plants?

Yes, catmint grows easily from seed started indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. However, named cultivars like ‘Walker’s Low’ do not come true from seed. Seed-grown plants vary in size and flower color.

Do catmint plants come back every year?

Yes, catmint is a hardy perennial in USDA zones 3-8. It dies back in winter and returns from the crown in spring. Cut back dead foliage in early spring before new growth appears.