WINNER 3

Nepeta cataria 'Lemon' is a perennial herbaceous plant 65‑70 cm tall with a bush diameter of about 70 cm and a compact shape. Vegetation begins in the first or second decade of March, flowering starts in the third decade of June, peaks in the second decade of July, and lasts approximately 25‑30 days. Seeds ripen in the second or third decade of August; from the start of vegetation to seed ripening takes about 155‑165 days.

Raw material for essential oil production is taken from the aerial part of the plant collected during the mass flowering phase. Raw material yield is approximately 70 kg/ha, with an essential oil mass fraction of 0.5% of the raw mass, allowing for about 35 kg/ha of pure oil. The perfumery rating reaches 4.7 points. The main components of the essential oil are nerol alcohol (33.2%) and nerol and geranyl aldehydes (22.5%), giving it a pronounced citrus aroma.

Nepeta cataria 'Lemon' is propagated by seeds: seeds are sown late in autumn (November), while spring sowing requires stratification. The plants prefer open sites, are moisture-loving, and grow well in southern arid regions only with irrigation. They respond well to organic and mineral fertilizers, especially nitrogen ones, which increases the aerial biomass yield. The variety is considered winter-hardy and suitable for cultivation in southern regions of Ukraine.