{"product_id":"catnip-heirloom-herb-seeds","title":"Catnip, Heirloom Herb Seeds","description":"\u003ch1\u003eCatnip, Heirloom Herb Seeds — Calming Mint-Family Tea Herb, Pollinator Magnet, Insect Repellent, Beloved by Cats (Nepeta cataria)\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003eCatnip (\u003cem\u003eNepeta cataria\u003c\/em\u003e) is an attractive, hardy perennial herb in the mint family — greenish-gray foliage with small bilabiate blooms in white, spotted with purple or pink. Earthy aroma with a touch of thyme and oregano; dried leaves used for calming tea or as a stimulant for cats. Upright plants reach 24–36 inches tall and spread 18–24 inches wide. Thought to repel many insects while simultaneously attracting beneficial pollinators — bees and butterflies are drawn to the small flowers. Heat and drought tolerant. Will reseed easily in garden plots and fields. 0.01g \/ 200+ seeds per packet. 85 days to maturity. Perennial in Zones 3–9.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eNepeta cataria\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDays to maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 85 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDays to germination:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10–15 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small bilabiate blooms — white, spotted with purple or pink\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Greenish-gray, jagged, sage-colored leaves 1–3 inches long; fuzzy texture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Earthy, touch of thyme\/oregano; mint-like fragrance when dried\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–36 inches; width 18–24 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Any loamy to sandy; well-draining\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60–80°F growing; 68–72°F germination\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSowing depth:\u003c\/strong\u003e Surface sow indoors; just cover outdoors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant spacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12–18 inches; rows 18–24 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to partial shade to shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGarden size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Garden plot, container, fields (reseeds easily)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClimate tolerance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heat and drought tolerant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePacket size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.01g \/ 200+ seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3–9 (perennial); grown as annual in other zones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heirloom, open-pollinated, non-GMO, perennial\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCaution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not recommended for children; avoid during pregnancy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFor Cats — Nature’s Feline Stimulant\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCatnip is best known for its euphoric effect on cats — the nepetalactone compounds in the leaves trigger a temporary 5–15 minute stimulant response in about 50–70% of cats (the response is hereditary; not all cats are affected). Fresh catnip attracts cats to the garden; dried catnip is easy to make at home. Harvest stalks, bundle them, and hang upside down to air-dry. Once dry, crumble the leaves and sprinkle on your cat’s scratching post, bed, or toys to stimulate play or calm anxiety. Cats are also attracted to freshly growing catnip plants — consider planting in a protected spot or container if you want to keep the plant intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFor Humans — Calming Tea \u0026amp; Culinary Uses\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCatnip has a long history of human use as a calming herb. The dried leaves make a pleasant tea with a minty, herbaceous flavor — use 1 tablespoon of dried leaves steeped in hot water for a single serving. Traditionally used as a mild sedative and digestive aid. Fresh young leaves can be added to salads as an aromatic garnish, used as a seasoning in soups, or cooked as a culinary herb. The earthy, thyme-oregano aroma makes it an interesting addition to savory dishes. \u003cem\u003eNote: not recommended for children or during pregnancy. Limit to one cup of tea per serving.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eInsect Repellent \u0026amp; Pollinator Attractor\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCatnip has a dual relationship with insects: it is thought to repel many pest insects — research has suggested nepetalactone may be more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes and other insects — while simultaneously attracting beneficial pollinators. Bees and butterflies are drawn to the small white and purple-spotted flowers. Planting catnip near vegetables and herbs can help deter pest insects while supporting pollinator populations. It will reseed easily in garden plots and fields if flowers are left to go to seed — deadhead after bloom to control spread.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eStart indoors 4–6 weeks before transplanting, surface sowing seeds (needs light to germinate). Or direct sow outdoors, just covering seeds lightly. Germination in 10–15 days at 68–72°F. Transplant or thin to 12–18 inches apart in full sun to shade in any loamy to sandy, well-draining soil. Water regularly as plants establish; once established, catnip is heat and drought tolerant — allow soil to dry between waterings. Grows as an upright perennial 24–36 inches tall. Will grow as a weedy, abundant crop if flowers remain unpinched — reseeds easily. Deadhead after bloom to reduce spreading. In harsh winters, mulch roots for protection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy doesn’t my cat respond to catnip?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe catnip response is hereditary — approximately 50–70% of cats carry the gene that triggers the response. Kittens under 6 months and some adult cats simply do not respond. If your cat doesn’t react, it’s completely normal — they just don’t have the gene.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow do I dry catnip for my cat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eHarvest stalks in the morning after dew has dried. Bundle 5–10 stalks together and hang upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated spot out of direct sunlight. Dry for 1–2 weeks until leaves crumble easily. Strip leaves from stems and store in an airtight container. Dried catnip keeps potency for 6–12 months; store away from light and heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWill catnip take over my garden?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt can — catnip reseeds prolifically if flowers are allowed to go to seed. Deadhead spent flowers promptly to prevent self-sowing. Growing in containers is an effective way to enjoy catnip without it spreading. In garden beds, cut plants back by half after the first bloom flush to encourage a second flowering and reduce seed set.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePacked and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for flavor, resilience, and your garden’s success.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Box Garden Seeds LLC","offers":[{"title":".5 g \/ 200+ Seeds","offer_id":41712252485766,"sku":"TLM\/B1-200-50-621-2026","price":2.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2669\/3330\/files\/il_fullxfull.7658556901_28dd.jpg?v=1770128354","url":"https:\/\/bgseedsllc.com\/products\/catnip-heirloom-herb-seeds","provider":"Box Garden Seeds LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}