Naistenõges suureõiene "Balet"

Taim on vähenõudlik, kasvab hästi laiali, sobib nii peenarde, rokaariumi, alpiaia haljastamiseks, sobib suurepäraselt kokku roosade ja kollaste toonidega.
Agrotehnika.
Kasvatatakse otsekülvist avamaale aprillis-mais. Seemned idanevad 14-20 päeva. Optimaalne temperatuur idanemiseks on +18-22°C. Kasvab hästi päikselises ja soojas kohas. Ei talu raskeid muldi. Et õitsemine oleks rikkalikum, tuleb närbunud õisikud regulaarselt eemaldada. Ühel kohal kasvab 5-6 aastat.

Sowing Direct: Sow in spring to early summer when all risk of frost has gone. Seeds can be sown outdoors, directly where they are to flower. They can be broadcast in drifts or can be sown in more formal beds and borders. Sow the seed in short drills 12 mm deep from March to May, at temperatures around +20°C. Cover lightly with soil, mark the sowing areas with a ring of light coloured sand and label if sowing more than one variety in the same bed. Seeds germinate in two to three weeks. The seedlings can be told from nearby weed seedlings quite easily. Thin the seedlings out so they are finally 30 cm apart by early summer. Alternatively, leave them to grow as small clumps, of 4 to 6 plants every 30 cm or so. Compost should be kept slightly moist, but not wet at all times.
Cultivation: for best results, plant in any ordinary, well-drained soil in full sun. To prevent cats from flattening the plant, insert several twiggy sticks into the centre. If the soil is particularly poor, fertilise a little with weak solution of liquid fertilise. Otherwise do not fertilise as this can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowering. Prune back older foliage on the outside after blooming to encourage new growth and a more compact, denser plant. Lift and divide large clumps in spring, replanting divided specimens with lots of well-rotted organic matter. If powdery mildew becomes a problem prune out the affected areas.
Harvesting:  fresh or dried, the leaves make a refreshing and therapeutic tea which is high in vitamin C and has traditionally been used to treat such conditions as nervousness, insomnia, hyperactivity, colds and fevers. Cut and dry all parts when harvesting for cats. Cut flower stems for floral arrangements.
Plant uses: Cottage- Informal Gardens, Wildflower and Wildlife, Borders and Beds.

Eng.: Giant Catmint "Ballet". Suom.: Kollinminttu, Isokissanminttu. Sven.: Blånepeta.