How to Propagate the Catmint Plant

Propagate by Division

• 1

  Spread the tarp on the soil near the location where the catmint grows.

• 2

  Dig up the catmint plant with the shovel, inserting the blade of the shovel into the soil about 4 to 6 inches away from the outside edge of the plant. Push the shovel blade down deep enough to enable you to angle the blade under the roots and lift the clump from the soil.

• 3

  Transfer the plant to the tarp. Shake off the excess soil from the roots.

• 4

  Push the blade of the shovel down through the plant, pushing it through the root system to separate the roots. Divide the plant into halves or thirds.

• 5

  Return the divisions back to the same planting location or plant the divisions in a different sunny growing location. Space the divided catmint plants about 1 foot apart. Place the catmint plants back into the soil at the same depth as they were previously growing, and firm the soil gently around the roots.

• 6

  Water the newly divided catmint plants thoroughly. Keep the plants evenly moist during the first two weeks after dividing them to ensure that the plants acclimate to the new growing location.

Propagate by Cutting

• 7

  Fill a 4-inch container to the top with potting soil. Spray the soil lightly with water to make it moist.

• 8

  Take a 4-inch-long cutting from a catmint plant in the spring. Select a healthy stem with new growth for the cutting.

• 9

  Trim off all but the top two leaves from the stem, and dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone.

• 10

  Insert the cutting into the moist soil in the container, and firm the soil gently around the stem.

• 11

  Place a plastic bag over the top of the container, and secure the bag with a rubber band to hold it tightly.

• 12

  Place the container into a warm location out of direct sunlight. Mist the soil daily with water from the spray bottle.

• 13

  Remove the plastic bag after you notice new growth on the stem -- within one to three weeks. Allow the new catmint plant to continue to grow in the container for another week or two, and then transplant it outdoors in a sunny growing area.