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Catmint (Nepeta cataria): The Ultimate Guide to Catmint Tea & Cat Treats
por Dhara Seeds en Nov 11, 2025
About Catmint (Nepeta cataria)
The Catmint plant (Nepeta cataria) — also known as Catnip — is a herbal perennial loved by both humans and cats alike. This aromatic member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) produces soft gray-green leaves and lavender-blue flowers that release a pleasant, calming fragrance.
For humans, Catmint leaves can be brewed into a soothing herbal tea, known for its mild sedative, digestive, and stress-relieving properties. For cats, the same plant acts as a natural stimulant, providing fun, relaxation, and improved mood.
Grow your own Catmint from high-quality seeds available at Dharaseeds.com your trusted online source for organic herbs and pet-friendly plants.
Why Grow Catmint (Nepeta cataria)?
🌿 Dual Use Herb – Perfect for making cat treats and relaxing tea.
🐱 Cat-Friendly Plant – Naturally stimulates playfulness in cats.
🌸 Attractive Blooms – Produces fragrant purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
💪 Hardy & Easy to Grow – Tolerates drought and poor soil.
🌼 Medicinal Benefits – Used in natural teas for calming anxiety and aiding digestion.
When to Plant Catmint
Best Season: Spring or early summer once frost danger has passed.
Seed Starting: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Temperature Range: Germinates best between 65–75°F (18–24°C).
Outdoor Transplanting: Move young plants outdoors when soil warms and frost risk ends.
How to Care for Catmint
Pruning: Trim after flowering to promote bushy growth and repeat blooms.
Pest Resistance: Naturally repels pests like aphids and mosquitoes.
Winter Care: Hardy in most zones — mulch lightly in colder climates.
Harvesting Leaves: Harvest leaves and flowers when fully mature for best flavor and potency.
Harvesting & Making Catmint Tea
When to Harvest: Just before flowering when oil content is highest.
How to Dry: Hang stems upside down in a dry, shaded area until crisp.
Tea Preparation:
Crush dried Catmint leaves.
Steep 1 teaspoon per cup of boiling water for 5–10 minutes.
Add honey or lemon for flavor.
Benefits:
Calms the mind and body
Aids digestion and sleep
Natural stress reliever
Where to Grow Catmint
Sunlight: Prefers full sun, tolerates partial shade.
Soil Type: Well-drained, light loamy soil enriched with compost.
pH Level: Slightly alkaline to neutral (6.5–7.5).
Ideal Locations: Garden borders, herb patches, or pots for balconies.How to Grow Catmint (Nepeta cataria)
Seed Sowing
Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in moist soil.
Keep soil lightly moist until germination (usually 10–15 days).
Transplanting
Transplant seedlings when they reach 3–4 inches tall.
Space plants 12–18 inches apart for proper air circulation.
Watering
Moderate watering — Catmint prefers dry conditions over soggy soil.
Water deeply but infrequently.
Fertilization
Add compost once a year; over-fertilizing can reduce flavor and aroma.
Making Catmint Cat Treats 🐾
Cats respond to nepetalactone, the active compound in Catmint that stimulates playful behavior.
DIY Cat Treat Recipe:
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon dried Catmint (Nepeta cataria) leaves (from your garden)
½ cup milk
1 egg
2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients to form dough.
Roll and cut into small shapes.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Cool completely before serving to your cat.
Note: Always offer in moderation and ensure your cat has no allergies.
Companion Plants for Catmint
Lavender – Enhances fragrance and deters pests.
Echinacea – Attracts pollinators and complements Catmint’s look.
Roses – Beautiful pairing that adds contrast and scent.
Chamomile – Blends well in herbal gardens and tea mixes.
Final Thoughts on Catmint
The Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is truly a versatile and rewarding herb — soothing for humans and stimulating for cats. Whether you’re brewing Catmint tea or baking cat treats, this plant adds a touch of joy to both your herbal garden and pet’s life.
Start growing your own Catmint seeds today from Dharaseeds.com and enjoy fresh herbs, fragrant blooms, and happy pets all year long!