Catnip Flower Seeds Packet

$2.35

2025 Seed Prices

  • Order 1-95 assorted packets for $2.35 each
  • Order 96-499 assorted packets for $1.85 each
  • Order 500 or more assorted packets for $1.65 each

Catnip (Nepeta cataria), a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), is a hardy perennial herb best known for its intoxicating effect on cats. Catnip is a perennial herb that typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall, showcasing square stems, a classic trait of the mint family catnip produces small, tubular flowers. Cherished for more than just feline entertainment, it is also valued for its medicinal uses, pollinator support, and ease of cultivation.  Beyond its visual appeal, catnip is rich in nepetalactone, an active compound that triggers a euphoric or calming response in cats by stimulating their sensory neurons. For humans, the plant offers mild sedative properties, making it a popular choice in herbal remedies aimed at promoting relaxation and alleviating stress.

SKU: SECATN
Barcode: 843458152866

Product Detail

Order in multiples of: 12

  • Year Designed: 2024
Quick Seed Overview
  • Plant Type: Perennial Zones 3-9
  • Genus: Nepeta
  • Species: Cataria
  • Plant Height/Width: 18" high, 12-14" wide
  • Season: Late spring to fall
  • Exposure: Sun
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Attributes: Attract pollinators

Why Shido Seeds Are the Best

Our flower and vegetable seeds are beautifully packaged little packets of magic. Guaranteed to turn your garden into the envy of the neighborhood. Get your hands dirty and let nature simply do its thing.

Brief and Glorious History of the Catnip

When to Plant

Indoors: Start seeds 6-8 weeks before the last frost.

Outdoors: Direct sow seeds in spring, after the danger of frost has passed, or in late summer for a fall harvest.

Preparing for Planting

Choose a location with full sun and well-draining soil.

Loosen the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches and remove weeds and debris.

If container planting, choose a pot at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes.

Sowing Seeds

Direct sow seeds outdoors by scattering them on the soil surface.

Lightly press the seeds into the soil or cover with a thin layer of soil (about 1/8 inch deep).

Water gently to keep the soil moist during germination, which takes 10-20 days.

Transplanting Seedlings

Harden off indoor seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days.

Transplant when seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, spacing them 18-24 inches apart.

Water well after transplanting to help establish the roots.

Pro Tip

To maximize catnip's potency for your feline friends, harvest leaves on a sunny day after the morning dew has evaporated, when the essential oils are most concentrated.

Getting to know your Catnip

Catnip is a perennial herb that typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall, showcasing square stems, a classic trait of the mint family, along with soft, gray-green leaves. The slightly fuzzy leaves have serrated edges and emit a mild minty aroma when crushed. During late spring to early fall, catnip produces small, tubular flowers in shades ranging from white to pale lavender, often adorned with purple speckles. These delicate blooms are not only attractive but also serve as a magnet for pollinators, drawing in bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Beyond its visual appeal, catnip is rich in nepetalactone, an active compound that triggers a euphoric or calming response in cats by stimulating their sensory neurons. For humans, the plant offers mild sedative properties, making it a popular choice in herbal remedies aimed at promoting relaxation and alleviating stress.

What it's used for

1. Feline Entertainment:

  • When crushed or dried, catnip releases aromatic oils that most cats find irresistible.
  • It can be used to stuff toys, sprinkle on scratching posts, or encourage playful behavior.
  • Not all cats are affected by catnip—sensitivity to nepetalactone is genetic, with approximately 50-70% of cats showing a reaction.

2. Medicinal and Culinary Uses for Humans:

  • Catnip can be brewed into a tea that promotes relaxation and relieves stress.
  • It is sometimes used as a mild remedy for insomnia, headaches, indigestion, and cold symptoms.
  • Fresh or dried leaves can flavor soups, stews, and salads, though its flavor is milder than other mint varieties.

3. Ornamental and Companion Planting:

  • Catnip’s soft, green foliage and delicate flowers add beauty to herb gardens and pollinator gardens.
  • As a companion plant, it repels certain pests, including aphids, squash bugs, and mosquitoes.
  • Planting catnip near brassicas, cucumbers, and tomatoes can help reduce pest issues naturally.
Growth Requirements

Light:

  • Prefers full sun, but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
  • At least 6 hours of direct sunlight is recommended for optimal growth.

Soil:

  • Catnip thrives in well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.1 to 7.8).
  • It is drought-tolerant once established and does not require rich or overly fertile soil.
  • Avoid waterlogged areas, as catnip is susceptible to root rot.

Watering:

  • Catnip is drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering during dry periods.
  • Water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
  • Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and prevent weeds.

Temperature & Climate:

  • Catnip is hardy in USDA zones 3-9, tolerating frost and moderate heat.
  • The plant goes dormant in winter but will re-emerge in spring.
  • In mild climates, catnip can retain its leaves year-round.

Fertilization:

  • Catnip does not require heavy feeding.
  • If the soil is poor, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
  • Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive foliage growth with fewer aromatic oils.
Maintenance

Pruning:

  • Regularly trim catnip to promote bushier growth and prevent legginess.
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

Harvesting:

  • Harvest leaves and stems when the plant is in full bloom, as this is when nepetalactone levels are highest.
  • Cut stems early in the morning after the dew has dried for the best flavor and potency.

Drying & Storage:

  • Hang cuttings upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area.
  • Once dried, store in an airtight container away from light and moisture.
Pests and Diseases

Common Pests:

  • Aphids: Use insecticidal soap or a strong water spray to dislodge pests.
  • Spider Mites: Increase humidity and rinse leaves regularly.

Common Diseases:

  • Powdery Mildew: Avoid overhead watering and improve air circulation.
  • Root Rot: Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.

Growing Together with Shido

At Shido, everything we do starts with one goal: helping you have a truly successful growing experience. We know that planting seeds is just the beginning — your time, energy, and love for gardening are the real magic. That’s why we make sure the seeds you plant are fresh, full of life, and top-quality. When you choose Shido, you’re planting with confidence. We guarantee it.

Our mission is simple: bring you exceptional varieties of high-quality seeds at prices you’ll love, share detailed sowing and growing tips so you can thrive as a home gardener, and deliver the best customer service in the industry — with a smile.

Our Seed Safety Promise

We do not sell genetically modified seeds — ever. And we don’t use genetic engineering to breed new varieties. Instead, our skilled breeders use traditional, natural crossing methods to create hybrid seeds that are healthy, safe, and packed with potential.

Our Seed Quality Guarantee

At Shido, we believe great gardens start with great seeds — and that means quality comes first. Every seed lot we offer is ensure to generate top-notch germination because your garden deserves nothing less.

To keep our seeds at their peak, we run thorough pathology tests at trusted outside labs. When you open a Shido seed packet, you can trust it’s been nurtured, tested, and approved to give you strong, healthy plants from the very first sprout.

Types of Seeds We Offer

Hybrid Seeds (F1)

F1 hybrid seeds are the garden’s high achievers — created by crossing two specially chosen parent plants for superior vigor, uniformity, and performance. We use only traditional breeding methods to produce these powerhouse seeds.

Open-Pollinated & Heirloom Seeds

Our open-pollinated (OP) seeds naturally reproduce through wind, insects, water, or self-pollination. When grown in isolation, they produce true-to-type plants year after year.

Among our OP seeds are treasured heirloom varieties — old favorites that have been carefully passed down for generations. While OP plants can be less uniform than hybrids, we run our Open-Pollinated Project to select the most reliable, flavorful, and beautiful strains. Many are also available as certified organic seeds.

Non-GMO: What It Means and Why It Matters

GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) is created when scientists alter a plant’s DNA in a lab — often by inserting genes from completely unrelated species — to achieve certain traits, like pest resistance or herbicide tolerance. This is a far cry from natural plant breeding.

At Shido, we believe gardening should stay as close to nature as possible. All our seeds — whether hybrid, heirloom, organic, or open-pollinated — are Non-GMO. They’re bred using traditional methods that respect natural biodiversity, giving you safe, wholesome seeds that grow into plants just as nature intended.

When you plant Shido Non-GMO seeds, you’re choosing purity, sustainability, and peace of mind — along with a garden full of flavor, color, and beauty.

Vacuum-Sealed for Freshness — Good for 10 Years

Every Shido seed packet isvacuum-sealedto lock in freshness and protect your seeds from moisture, air, and pests. This careful packaging not only preserves their quality but also extends their shelf life dramatically. Stored properly in a cool, dry place, our seeds remain viable for up to10 years— so you can plant them now, next season, or even years down the road. Whether you’re planning a garden this spring or building a long-term seed stash, Shido seeds are ready when you are

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