Catnip Seeds

We are committed to providing our customers with quality, affordable seeds. 

Catnip is an easy-to-maintain perennial herb that grows well in pots, or if planted directly in the garden, it will act as an excellent ground cover that grows to about two feet tall. The heart-shaped foliage is greenish-grey and has a mint-like fragrance when dried. Catnip can be used to make a nice soothing tea for upset stomachs, headaches or colds. Catnip is an herb that has a calming effect on humans and its gentle effect acts positively on children for a good night’s sleep or a nice afternoon nap. It basically calms the digestive and nervous system, so use it when you need to relax. Fresh or dried leaves can be used in teas, salads, sauces or soups. 

Of course, catnip is most popular with our furry kitty friends. Cats just love it. Thankfully, they will never ‘’overdose’’ on it. About 33 percent of cats are attracted to catnip and the response is believed to be hereditary. When exposed to catnip, your cat might react by rolling, flipping, rubbing and eventually zoning out and they may meow or growl at the same time. Be advised - protect your seedlings!

The active ingredient in catnip is called nepetalactone, which is a powerful repellent against mosquitoes and other bugs as well as rodents. The clusters of little white or blue flowers that appear from late spring until fall are well-liked by bees and butterflies. 

• Latin Name: Nepeta cataria
  - Life Cycle: Perrenial
  - Canada Hardiness Zone: 4-9
  - Days to Maturity: 80-90
  - Planting Depth: 3-4 mm
  - Plant Spacing: 45-60 cm
  - Growth Habit: 30-90 cm tall

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Catnip is an underrated and underutilized herb. Widely known for its intoxicating effects on our feline friends, this member of the mint family can pack a medicinal punch for us humans too!

Seeds will first need a period of stratification to ensure better germination. The quickest way to do this is to place the seeds in the freezer for 24 hours and then soak in water for another 24 hours. Seeds can be started indoors 8-12 weeks before your region’s last frost. Plant seeds at 5 mm and provide plenty of light and warmth. Transplant seedlings into separate containers after germination. Move transplants outside after the danger of frost has passed and choose a site with full sun in order to enjoy a bounty of blossoms.

Beware: catnip, like mint, will spread and can quickly overrun a garden space. Keep in containers or carefully manage your plants to prevent them from taking over. Young plants should be watered often, staked and covered with a cage or wire netting. Curious cats may be compelled to romp through your plants before they get a chance to establish themselves.

Catnip is an exceptional companion plant to many garden vegetables. The flowers will welcome many beneficial pollinators, as well as deter pests like aphids and flea beetles. Pinch out center stalks often to encourage bushy growth and use dried leaves and flowers to make a soothing tea. 

QUICK FACTS

- Catnip combines beautifully with Echinacea in the garden.

- Catnip seeds will remain viable for 5 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.

OUR SEED GUARANTEE

You know that a lush, fruitful garden needs good soil, frequent watering, and sunlight to grow, but it’s the seeds that really make the harvest.

Picked and bagged for 2023 the vast majority of our seeds have germination rates of over 85%. The seeds are all-natural, non-GMO, non-hybrid, untreated, and open-pollinated for seed saving.

We have put a lot of thoughts into the design and packaging of our seed packets. Our seeds are all carefully packed in food grade kraft paper/aluminium zipper lock bags, and then are shipped in eco-friendly padded mailers.

We heat-seal each of our seed packet for even more protection from moisture, odour and light, allowing you to store your seeds for up to 3x longer than paper or plastic. Plant them all, germinate some indoors, save some for next season - it’s up to you!