Colored Sunflower – Approx. 500 Seeds – Color Mix – Red Orange Bordeaux

Main Features: Botanical Name: Nepeta cataria German Name: Catnip Type: Perennial, aromatic plant Net Weight: 100 g Sowing Time: March to May (outdoors) or February to April (under cover) Flowering: June to September (2nd year after sowing) Height: 50–100 cm Flower Color: White to light lavender Foliage: Gray-green, toothed, very aromatic Location: Full sun to partial shade Hardiness: Very winter-hardy, withstands down to –20°C Description: Catnip, also known as catwort, is a perennial plant highly prized for its euphoric effect on cats. Its gray-green foliage gives off a lemony mint scent that is irresistible to cats. It also offers a pretty summer flowering with small white to lavender flowers, which are very bee-friendly. Easy to grow, it finds its place in the garden, in pots, or in beds, and is also used as an infusion for its calming properties. Plant Characteristics: Foliage: Gray-green, heart-shaped, toothed, very aromatic when crushed Flower: Spikes of small white to light lavender flowers Scent: Fresh, minty, lemony, very attractive to cats Growth: Bushy, upright Uses: For Cats: Fresh or dried leaves for toys, pillows, scratching posts Infusion: Calming, digestive, and antispasmodic properties Bee Pasture: Attracts bees, bumblebees, and other pollinators Ornamental: Beds, borders, natural gardens Vegetable Garden: Companion plant that repels certain pests Sowing and Cultivation: Sowing: Time: Pre-cultivation under cover: February to April, in trays or pots. Direct sowing outdoors: March to May, directly in place. Depth: Sow seeds on the surface, press lightly. Seeds need light to germinate. Do not cover with soil. Germination Temperature: 18–22°C Germination Time: 10 to 21 days Planting Spacing: Plant 40–50 cm apart. Row spacing 50–60 cm. Cultivation and Care: Soil: Normal, light, well-drained. Catnip tolerates poor and calcareous soils. Location: Full sun to partial shade. A sunny location promotes more aromatic foliage. Watering: Moderate. Once established, catnip tolerates drought well. Avoid waterlogging. Fertilization: Low requirements. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes leaf growth at the expense of aroma. Pruning: Prune after flowering to maintain compact growth and encourage new growth. Prune back in late winter. Diseases: Not very susceptible. Avoid waterlogging. Division: Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring to rejuvenate plants. Harvesting and Preservation: Harvesting Leaves: Time: Harvest leaves before flowering (late spring) for maximum aroma, or throughout the season as needed. Method: Cut stems 10–15 cm above the ground. Drying: Method: Make small bunches, tie with a string, and hang upside down in a dry, shady, well-ventilated place for 1–2 weeks. Storage: Store dried leaves in airtight jars, protected from light and moisture. Use for Cats: Fill small fabric pillows with dried leaves. Sprinkle dried leaves over scratching posts or toys. Offer a few fresh leaves directly to your cat (not all cats react). Tips: Catnip is very attractive to cats, who may roll on the plants, nibble them, or rub against them. Protect young plants with a cage if necessary. Sow directly in place in spring to establish a permanent stand. Catnip self-seeds naturally in the garden. To prevent excessive spread, cut off flowers before they set seed. This plant is ideal for attracting pollinators while providing a source of entertainment for your cats. As an infusion: 1 teaspoon of dried leaves per cup of boiling water, steep for 5–10 minutes. Packaging: 100 g