Catmint, a beloved perennial in the mint family, is a delightful addition to any garden with its showy spikes of lavender-blue flowers that bloom profusely throughout the summer. With its fragrant leaves and tolerance for a wide range of growing conditions, catmint is a popular choice for attracting pollinators and adding a touch of color to landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice enthusiast, learning how to repopulate catmint plants successfully can ensure a vibrant and flourishing garden for years to come.
One of the simplest and most effective methods of repopulating catmint is through division. Division involves carefully separating established clumps of catmint into smaller sections, each with its own root system. This technique is particularly useful for rejuvenating older plants or creating new ones to fill out empty spaces in your garden. To begin, choose a mature catmint plant that has become overgrown or produces fewer flowers than usual. Carefully dig around the base of the plant, taking care not to damage the roots, and lift the entire clump out of the ground. Use a sharp knife or spade to divide the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each division has a healthy root system and several stems. Replant the divisions in well-drained soil, spacing them approximately 12 to 18 inches apart, and water them thoroughly.
Another method of repopulating catmint involves taking cuttings from healthy stems. Cuttings are sections of stem that are placed in a rooting medium, such as moist potting mix or perlite, to develop new roots. This technique is particularly useful for propagating new plants of specific varieties or cultivars. To begin, select healthy stems that are 4 to 6 inches long and free of pests or diseases. Using a sharp knife or pruning shears, make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only a few at the top. Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone and insert it into the rooting medium, burying approximately 2 inches of the stem. Keep the rooting medium moist and place the cuttings in a warm, well-lit location. Once the cuttings have developed sufficient roots, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into your garden.
Division Technique
Catmint plants can also be repopulated via division. Division is a method of vegetative propagation in which a part of an existing plant is separated from the parent and grown independently. This division of plants results in new individual plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant.
The ideal time to perform division is in the early spring or fall when the plants are actively growing but not in their peak season for flowering. Here are the detailed steps to follow:
Step 1: Dig up the Parent Plant
Start by loosening the soil around the base of the plant using a shovel or trowel. Gently dig up the entire plant, taking care not to damage the roots.
Step 2: Separate the Roots
Gently shake the excess soil off the roots and use your hands or a sharp knife to separate the plant into smaller sections. Each division should have a healthy root system and at least one or two stems.
Step 3: Replant the Divisions
Dig holes for each division in well-drained soil at the correct spacing for the variety of catmint you have. Place each division in a hole and firm the soil around it. Water thoroughly.
How To Repopulate Catmint Plant
Catmint is a popular perennial plant that is easy to grow and attracts butterflies and other pollinators. It is also a favorite of cats. If you want to repopulate your catmint plant, there are a few different methods you can use.
One method is to divide the plant in the spring or fall. To do this, dig up the plant and carefully divide it into two or more sections. Each section should have its own roots. Replant the divisions in a new location in your garden and water them well.
Another method is to take cuttings from the plant in the spring or summer. To do this, cut a 4- to 6-inch stem from a healthy plant. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the stem and dip the end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with potting mix and keep it moist. The cutting should root within a few weeks.
You can also repopulate catmint by seed. Sow the seeds in the spring or fall in a well-drained seedbed. Keep the seeds moist and they should germinate within a few weeks. Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, you can transplant them into your garden.
