Catnip is an aromatic heirloom herb with soft leaves and delicate flowers. Grow it for cat enrichment, a gently flavored herbal tea, and flowers that welcome pollinators to the garden. Harvest leaves for drying or tuck them into homemade cat toys.

Germination Rate: 86%. Test Date: 3/26. FF.

Texas minimum germination standard: None.

Culinary Uses

• Herbal tea: Steep dried leaves in hot water for a mild, aromatic infusion.
• Herb blends: Combine a small amount of dried catnip with other culinary herbs for an herbal infusion.

Medicinal Uses

Catnip has a history of traditional use in calming herbal teas. This is a description of traditional use, not a claim that catnip treats a medical condition.

Growing Directions

• Light: Plant in full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Choose well-drained soil and avoid waterlogged roots.
• Sowing: Start indoors or sow outside after the risk of frost has passed. Keep the seedbed lightly moist while seeds establish.
• Spacing: Thin plants to approximately 12 to 18 inches apart to give them room to grow.
• Harvest: Snip leaves as plants grow; dry them for later use or for cat toys.

Why Choose David's Garden Seeds®?

• Veteran-Owned: Supplying premium seeds since 2009.
• GO TEXAN Certified: Supporting local agriculture and communities.
• Integrity Pledge: David's Garden Seeds has taken the Seed Integrity Pledge.
• Great Customer Service: David answers all customer service questions, usually within a few minutes.

Order Catnip Seeds Today

Grow fresh catnip for your garden and your feline companions.

Important Disclaimer

For human use, consult a qualified health professional before using herbs if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a medical condition. Introduce catnip to pets in moderation and ask your veterinarian about individual concerns. Store seeds in a cool, dry place and follow local planting conditions.

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Simple Garden Catnip Tea

Prepare a mild aromatic infusion from clean leaves harvested from mature Catnip plants. This recipe is for people, not pets, and uses harvested leaves, never the planting seeds in the packet. It is a culinary preparation, not a medical treatment.

Makes: 1 cup. Prep time: 5 minutes. Steeping time: 5 minutes. No additional cooking required after heating the water.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon dried food-safe Catnip leaves, or 1 tablespoon fresh leaves, loosely packed
• 1 cup water
• A thin lemon slice or a little lemon juice, optional
• Honey or another sweetener to taste, optional

Directions

1. Use correctly identified Nepeta cataria grown for edible use without treatments unsuitable for food crops. Do not use pet-store catnip or leaves exposed to pet waste.
2. If using fresh leaves, rinse under running water, pat dry and roughly chop on a clean cutting board. Place the fresh or dried leaves in a heat-safe mug or tea infuser.
3. Bring the water to a boil, remove from the heat and pour over the leaves.
4. Cover and steep for 5 minutes, then strain out all leaf pieces.
5. Add optional lemon and sweetener. Let cool to a comfortable drinking temperature before serving.

Kitchen Tip: Start with a mild infusion rather than a concentrated preparation. This recipe makes no claims about sleep, anxiety or other health conditions.

Storage: Freshly prepared tea is best enjoyed promptly. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container within 2 hours and use within 2 days.

Herbal Use Caution: Do not use catnip during pregnancy. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use while nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition. Do not serve this tea to pets. Honey must not be given to children younger than 12 months.