Get free Nepeta plants from cuttings - a how to guide
Nepeta, also known as catmint, is one of the easiest and most rewarding perennials to grow. Loved by pollinators and gardeners alike, it provides clouds of soft lavender-blue flowers and aromatic foliage for months.
But here’s a secret: you can make lots more Nepeta for free, just by taking a few cuttings in late summer.
Why Take Nepeta Cuttings Now?
Late summer is ideal because Nepeta is still growing, but its stems are starting to firm up – perfect for semi-ripe cuttings. Taking cuttings now gives them time to root before winter and means you'll have strong plants ready for the garden or for sharing next spring.
Whether your existing plant is getting leggy or you simply want more of it around the garden, this is an easy, low-risk way to multiply your catmint collection.
What You’ll Need
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✂️ Sharp scissors or secateurs
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🌱 A healthy Nepeta plant (non-flowering shoots are best)
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🪴 Small pots or seed trays
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🌿 Free-draining compost (a mix of peat-free compost and grit/perlite works well)
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Optional: hormone rooting powder
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A warm, bright, sheltered spot
How to Take Nepeta Cuttings
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Find strong, non-flowering shoots
Cut 10–12cm long pieces just below a leaf node.
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Strip the lower leaves
Remove the bottom third of leaves from the cutting.
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Optional: Dip in rooting hormone
This helps but isn’t essential – Nepeta roots easily.
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Insert into compost
Make a hole with a pencil, place the cutting in, and firm gently.
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Water well
Keep the compost moist, not waterlogged.
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Place in a sheltered spot
A bright windowsill, greenhouse bench, or cold frame is perfect. Avoid strong midday sun.
Caring for Nepeta Cuttings
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Check moisture levels regularly – don’t let them dry out
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Keep an eye out for wilting or rot (remove any soft cuttings)
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After 4–6 weeks, gently tug – resistance means rooting has started
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Once rooted, pot them on individually and grow on until spring
Why It's Worth Doing
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🌿 Create lots of new Nepeta plants for free
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🐝 Fill your garden with pollinator-friendly colour
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💡 Great for edging, containers, or gifts
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💪 Helps replace older, leggy plants with strong young ones
Taking a few minutes now gives you an entire tray of beautiful, healthy plants for next year – and it couldn't be easier.
