Catnip – 500 g – Aromatic Plant – Cat Magnet – Medicinal Plant – Bee Pasture

Main Features: Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus (Variety with purple flowers) Type: Annual large flower Number of Seeds: 100 seeds Sowing Time: April to June (outdoors), after the last frosts Flowering: July to September (about 8 to 12 weeks after sowing) Height: 120–200 cm depending on growing conditions Flower Diameter: 12–20 cm Flower Color: Deep purple, purple, dark mallow Center: Dark brown to black Location: Full sun (at least 6–8 hours per day) Hardiness: Not hardy (freezes in winter) Description: The purple sunflower is a rare and spectacular variety, distinguished by its unique color from classic sunflowers. Its large flowers with petals in deep purple to purple, contrasting with a dark brown to black center, give the garden an original and elegant touch. Highly prized by florists for their original bouquets, they are just as easy to grow as the traditional sunflower. Flower Characteristics: Petals: Deep purple to purple, sometimes with reddish hues Center: Dark brown to black, providing an impressive contrast Form: Single flower, with petals arranged in a crown Stem: Robust, upright, can support heavy flowers Flowering: Usually one flower per plant (unbranched variety) Uses: Ornamental: Beds, background in gardens, flowering hedges Cut Flowers: Long vase life (7 to 10 days), highly sought after in floral arrangements Original Bouquets: Ideal for weddings and events Attracts Pollinators: Bees, bumblebees, butterflies Contrast: Combine with yellow, white, or pink flowers for an impressive effect Sowing and Cultivation: Sowing: Time: Direct sowing outdoors: April to June, directly in place. Wait until no risk of frost. Pre-cultivation under cover: March to April, in pots, for earlier flowering. Depth: Sow seeds 2–3 cm deep in groups of 2–3 seeds. Germination Temperature: 18–22°C Germination Time: 7 to 14 days Thinning: Keep the strongest seedling per group when seedlings have 3–4 leaves. Planting Spacing: Outdoors: Plant 50–60 cm apart in the row, row spacing 70–80 cm. For beds: about 3–4 plants per square meter. Cultivation and Care: Soil: Normal, deep, rich in organic matter, and well-drained. Fertile soil promotes large flowers. Location: Full sun. The purple color develops fully in sunny conditions. Watering: Regular during growth, especially in dry periods. Once established, it tolerates drought, but regular watering ensures larger flowers. Fertilization: Low requirements. An application of compost or organic fertilizer before sowing is sufficient. Avoid excessive nitrogen. Support: A support (bamboo, stake) is recommended for tall plants, especially in windy regions. Install from planting to avoid damaging the roots. Care: Remove lower leaves when they turn yellow. Remove faded flowers if you want to prolong flowering. Harvesting Cut Flowers: Time: Cut flowers in the morning when they are fully open, before the petals begin to wilt. Method: Use clean pruning shears. Cut with a long stem (40–50 cm). Place stems immediately in water. Vase Life: 7 to 10 days, change water every 2 days and recut the stem slightly. Tips: Purple sunflowers are just as easy to grow as classic yellow sunflowers. To obtain very large flowers, keep only one plant per group and give ample spacing. Pre-cultivation under cover in March allows flowers as early as July. Avoid planting sunflowers in the same place for several consecutive years. Combine purple sunflowers with yellow sunflowers, cosmos, or zinnias for contrasting beds. Ripe seeds attract birds in autumn. Packaging: 100 seeds of purple sunflower.