Catnip Seeds

Nepeta Cataria
Regular price $6.99
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About

Catnip (Nepeta Cataria) is a hardy perennial herb from the mint family that reaches 24–36 inches tall. In USDA Zones 3–9, it produces soft grayish-green leaves and small flowers — pale blue, white, or lightly pink-spotted. The scent is strongly aromatic, somewhere between mint and a dusty field herb. The plant is heat-tolerant, drought-tolerant. 

Quick Facts

Life Cycle
Life Cycle Perennial
USDA Zones
USDA Zones 05–10
Light Requirements
Light Requirements Full sun; Part sun
Germination Time
Germination Time up to 28 days
Stratification
Stratification Not required
Spacing
Spacing 9-12 inches
Sowing Method
Sowing Method Direct Sow; Start Indoors
Soil
Soil Well-drained; Sandy; Dry
Flowering Period
Flowering Period Summer
Water Requirements
Water Requirements Moderate (regular watering)
Maturity Time
Maturity Time 75-90 days
Growing Habit
Growing Habit Ground Cover; Spreading

How to Grow & Harvest

Sowing & Timing

Start Catnip seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost date, or direct sow outdoors once the soil has warmed to 60°F. For indoor sowing, press seeds onto the surface of moist seed-starting mix and leave them uncovered as light triggers germination. Outdoors, lightly cover seeds with fine soil. Catnip plant seeds germinate in 10–15 days at 60–80°F. 

Soil, Watering & Fertilization

Catnip tolerates more shade than most herbs — it will grow in full sun, partial shade, or shade corners.But give it at least 6 hours of direct sun and the foliage gets denser and more fragrant. Catnip grass seeds grow in loamy or sandy ground and do not need heavy feeding or amended beds. Water consistently for the first few weeks after transplanting or germination, then back off, since established plants survive dry stretches without complaint.

Growth & Harvest

Pinch the flowers to encourage branching, and you will get a bushy plant. If you leave them, the plant will reseed aggressively. For harvesting, cut stems in late spring just before the plant sets seed. Air-dry harvested stems in a warm spot with good airflow for 1–2 weeks. Dried stems work well for cat toys, loose tea, or stored seasoning. 

FAQ

Are Catnip seeds for sale non-GMO?

Yes, you can buy Catnip seed packets at KVITER, and get open-pollinated, heirloom, non-GMO seeds. No modifications, no hybrids. We offer premium quality seeds with high germination rates and free shipping for orders over $49.

Are Catmint and Catnip the same?

Catmint and Catnip are often used interchangeably, however "catmint" refer to ornamental Nepeta Hybrids that look similar but have weaker effect on cats. While Catnip is true Nepeta Cataria — the species that actually affects cats. When you buy catmint seeds for planting and want the real thing, look for Nepeta Cataria seeds.

What are good companion plants for Catnip?

Catnip grass is a good companion plant for tomatoes, squash, and beets, as it deters aphids, flea beetles, and squash bugs. It also pulls in bees and butterflies, which helps fruiting crops nearby. Just keep it at the edge of a bed rather than tucked between smaller plants, because it might suppress them.

Do cats actually react to Catnip plants?

Yes, Catnip contains nepetalactone in leaves and stems. These Catnip seeds for cats produce the real species, not an ornamental hybrid, so the nepetalactone content is high enough to trigger a response in most cats. Roughly 50–70% of cats react to Catnip at all — it's genetic, and kittens under 6 months usually don't respond yet.