Lemon catmint is an aromatic, hardy perennial belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). This lemon-scented form of common catmint is distinguished by its fresh, fragrant leaves, which release a pleasant citrus aroma. The flowers range in colour from white with purple spots to pale blue and are borne in long flowering spikes. The plant is highly attractive to bees, bumblebees and butterflies, and is also well known for its irresistible appeal to many cats. In the kitchen, the young leaves are the most commonly used part of the plant. They have a fresh, lemony flavour and are ideal for preparing herbal tea, either fresh or dried. The leaves can also be added to salads, fruit salads, herb butter, desserts, syrups and refreshing summer drinks. The edible flowers make an attractive garnish for salads, desserts and cold beverages.
Lemon catmint has a long history as a medicinal herb. The leaves contain essential oils, flavonoids and other aromatic compounds. Traditionally, an herbal tea made from the leaves is enjoyed for its calming and relaxing properties. In folk medicine, the tea has also been used to help relieve colds, bronchitis, coughs, fever and asthma. It has further been valued as a digestive aid and for easing mild nervous tension. Although these traditional uses have been known for centuries, scientific evidence supporting many of these effects remains limited.
Lemon catmint can also be used as a natural dye plant. The flowering tops and leaves produce a soft yellow-green to pale yellow dye, particularly suitable for colouring wool and silk. When used with a mordant such as alum, the colours become brighter and more colourfast. The resulting shades are subtle and highly appreciated for their natural appearance. With its fresh lemon fragrance, versatile culinary uses, traditional medicinal value and usefulness as a natural dye plant, lemon catmint is a valuable addition to herb, ornamental and pollinator gardens. Lemon catmint flowers from May till October. Hardy perennial. Height: 60 - 100 cm. Width: 40 - 60 cm.
Indoor sowing: March - April
Outdoor sowing: May - July & September - October
Germination: 7 - 21 days
Germination temp. 18 - 22 °C
Sowing depth: shallow
Planting distance: 30 - 40 cm
Plant position: Full sun, warm and sheltered
Flowering period: May - October
Harvest period: May - July
Sow indoors from March to April in seed trays filled with moist seed compost. Scatter the seeds thinly over the surface and do not cover them with soil, as catmint requires light to germinate. Gently press the seeds onto the surface and keep the compost evenly moist. Cover the tray with a clear lid or plastic film to maintain humidity and place it in a warm location with a constant temperature of 18 - 22 °C. Avoid placing the tray on a sunny windowsill, as temperatures can fluctuate considerably. Seedlings usually emerge within 7 to 21 days. Remove the cover once germination has started and place the seedlings in a bright location.
When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots. From early May, begin hardening them off by placing them outdoors during the day for 10 - 14 days. After this acclimatisation period, the plants can be transplanted to their final position from mid-May, once all risk of frost has passed.
From May onwards, the seeds may also be sown directly outdoors. Sow thinly on the soil surface without covering the seeds, as they are light germinators. Press them gently into the soil and keep the seedbed evenly moist during germination. Outdoor sowing is also possible in September or October. During winter, the seeds undergo a natural cold period (stratification), which may improve germination the following spring. Once the seedlings are well established, thin them to a spacing of 30 - 40 cm.
Catmint grows best in a warm, sheltered position in full sun with well-drained soil. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant and only requires watering during prolonged dry periods. Poorly drained or waterlogged soil should be avoided. The plant forms broad, bushy clumps that gradually spread, so allow sufficient space between plants. Like many members of the mint family, catmint may outcompete weaker neighbouring plants.
After the first flowering period, from May to July, the faded flower stems can be cut back. Avoid cutting into the old woody stems. Pruning encourages compact growth and usually results in a second flowering period from August to October. Catmint is a hardy perennial that overwinters reliably in temperate climates. The leaves and young flowering shoots can be harvested from May to July and used fresh or dried for herbal tea, scented sachets or other herbal applications. For the best aroma, harvest on a dry, sunny day.
