Silver leaf - Lunaria annua - white

The silver leaf, also known as silver thallus, Judas thallus, or moon violet, belongs to the cruciferous family (Brassicaceae) and enchants with its delicate fragrance. The plant captivates with its white flowers and characteristic, silvery seed heads, which are ideal for dried flower arrangements.
Although its botanical name (Lunaria annua) suggests "annual," it is actually a biennial wildflower. In its first year, it forms a rosette of leaves with a strong root; in its second year, it delights with lush blooms. After flowering, it develops its namesake, moon-shaped seed heads, which are a decorative eye-catcher even in winter.

Details:
Sowing indoors/greenhouse: April to March
Sowing outdoors: November to March
Germination time: 28 days at 16-18°C
Sowing depth: only lightly cover with soil, light germinator and cold germinator!

Height: approx. 90 cm
Planting distance: 40 cm
Flower size: <5 cm
Flowering time: April to June

Soil: humus, moist
Fertilization: little organic fertilizer
Location: Partial shade
Water consumption: normal

Growing tips:
The seeds require a period of cold weather to germinate successfully. Mix the seeds with moist seed medium and place them in plastic bags. Due to the bags' watertightness, additional humidification is usually not necessary. Place the container with the seeds in a warm and humid environment (approximately +20°C) for the first 2-4 weeks, then place it in the refrigerator or another cool location with temperatures between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius. The duration varies depending on the plant species, but is usually several weeks to months.
After the cold period, the seeds need warmer conditions to encourage germination, so keep the substrate moist. Check the seeds regularly (ideally once a week), and once germination begins, sow the germinated seeds as usual in pots or suitable soil.
Alternatively, sowing can be done in the garden in the fall. Germination will then occur in the spring.

Use:
cut flower
dried flower
Insect pasture

Bag contents:
Approx. 150 seeds
Store in a cool, dry place.