Herb Catnip Seeds
Grow a fragrant patch of catnip with seeds from David's Garden Seeds®. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb in the mint family, known for its soft gray-green foliage, small whitish flowers and appeal to many cats. It fits naturally into herb beds and informal gardens, and its flowers attract bees.
Why Grow Catnip?
- Aromatic foliage: Harvest leaves for drying and cat-toy projects. Cats differ in their sensitivity, so not every cat will respond to catnip.
- Flowers for bees: Leave some stems to bloom if you want to provide flowers for visiting pollinators.
- Perennial garden interest: Plants can return where winter conditions and drainage suit them. Growth and longevity vary with climate and care.
- Flexible planting: Grow in an herb bed or a well-drained container. A container helps define its growing space, but spent flowers still need attention if you want to prevent self-sowing.
Planting Tips for Success
- Choose the site: Provide full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Avoid spots that stay soggy, especially during winter.
- Follow seed-starting directions: Use the packet's recommended timing, depth and any seed-treatment instructions. Keep the growing medium evenly moist without saturating it.
- Transplant gradually: Harden off indoor-grown seedlings before planting outdoors and allow the recommended spacing for branching growth and airflow.
- Protect young plants: Visiting cats may roll on or damage seedlings. A temporary protective cage can help plants establish.
- Water thoughtfully: Water during establishment, then check moisture during dry weather. Potted plants usually need closer monitoring than established plants in the ground.
- Manage growth: Trim plants to encourage fresh growth and remove spent flower heads before seeds mature if you want to limit reseeding. Avoid excessive fertilizing.
Harvesting and Drying
- Harvest healthy stems: Cut leafy growth once plants are established, leaving enough foliage for recovery. Use clean tools and avoid taking the entire plant at once.
- Dry with airflow: Spread leaves or hang small bundles in a dry, well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight. Let them dry fully before storage.
- Store carefully: Keep dried leaves in a labeled, sealed container away from heat, moisture and direct light.
- Use sensible pet precautions: Offer small amounts under supervision and use securely made toys without loose strings or detachable parts. Ask your veterinarian about use for a cat with a health concern.
Traditional Herbal Use
Catnip has a history of use in herbal teas, but this collection makes no claim that it treats sleep, digestive or other health conditions. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before herbal use if pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition. Seeds from the packet are for planting, not direct consumption.
Why Choose David's Garden Seeds®?
- Veteran-Owned: Supplying gardeners with seeds since 2009.
- GO TEXAN Certified: Supporting local agriculture and communities.
- Integrity Pledge: David's Garden Seeds has taken the Seed Integrity Pledge.
- Helpful Customer Service: We're here to help you find information for your garden.
Grow Your Own Catnip
Order catnip seeds today and grow aromatic foliage for your herb garden and cat-toy projects.
Important Growing Information
Plant size, flowering, winter survival and reseeding vary with site and climate. Check the individual product listing and seed packet for specific instructions.
Grow something beautiful. Grow something delicious. Grow with David's Garden Seeds®.
