2000 Catnip Seeds, Nepeta Cataria, Aromatic Herb for Cats and Gardens

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a hardy perennial herb in the mint family, prized for its aromatic foliage and its well-known appeal to cats. The plant forms bushy, upright clumps of gray-green, heart-shaped leaves topped with spikes of small white to pale lavender flowers in summer. Catnip is a versatile addition to herb gardens, perennial borders, and pollinator-friendly landscapes, attracting bees and other beneficial insects. Its fragrant leaves can be harvested for homemade cat toys or dried for herbal use.

Easy to grow from seed, catnip adapts to a range of garden conditions and returns year after year in suitable climates. Whether you are growing it for your feline friends or simply to enjoy its ornamental and aromatic qualities, this herb offers reliable performance with minimal fuss.

Plant Features

• Aromatic, gray-green foliage with a distinctive minty scent
• Produces spikes of small white to pale lavender flowers in summer
• Attracts bees and other pollinators to the garden
• Hardy perennial that returns each year in appropriate zones
• Dual-purpose herb for cats and ornamental garden use

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Nepeta cataria
• Plant Type: Perennial herb
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates poor to average fertility
• Water Requirements: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy clumps
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
• Bloom Season: Summer
• Mature Height: 2-3 feet
• Spacing: 18-24 inches apart

Planting & Care

Sow catnip seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Press seeds lightly into the soil surface; they need light to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs in 10-20 days at temperatures around 65-70°F (18-21°C). Once seedlings have several sets of true leaves, thin or transplant them to their final spacing.

Catnip thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first season to help plants establish, then reduce watering as they become more drought tolerant. Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Harvest leaves as needed once the plant is established, and trim back flower spikes to encourage bushier growth. Catnip can self-sow if flowers are left to mature, so deadhead if you want to control its spread.

What's Included

2000 Catnip seeds (Nepeta cataria).