Alpine Catmint, Rock Thyme
Id-Code: AA 062
Family: Lamiaceae, Labiatae
Origin: Along mountain cliff sides of southern Europe
Special Features: Beautiful cushion plant for dry conditions
Colour: Red-violet
Natural Flowering Period: June - September
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z4-7
Growth Habit: Low-growing cushions
Foliage: Small, oval-shaped leaves - like a mouse's ear!
Height with Flowers: 15 cm (6'')
Spacing between Plants: 20 cm (8'')
Soil Requirements: Gritty, perfectly well-drained soils, pH 6.5 - 7.2
Location: Full sun
Use: Well suited for rock gardens or containers. Plant together with Acaena inermis 'Purpurea', Alyssum wulfenianum and Campanula cochlearifolia 'Bavaria Blue'
Specialities: Outstanding species for dry conditions
Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 seeds: 0,345
Seeds per Gram: 2900
Seeding Recommendation: 1 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 2-3 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 72, 128
Germination: These seeds germinate rapidly depending on species and origin. If germination does not occur after 3-4 weeks a cooling period of 2-4 weeks is recommended.
Scheduling:
Best Sowing Dates: November - March
Sowing to Germination: 2 - 3 weeks
Germination to Transplant: 4 - 8 weeks
Transplanting to Salable Plant: 6 - 10 weeks
Cutting-Back at Transplanting: Not necessary
Growing On:
Container Size(s): 1 plug per 8/9 cm (3 1/2''); 1-2 plugs per 11/12 cm (4 1/2'')
Vernalization: No vernalization required for flowering in the first year.
Forcing: Provide 16 hours of continuous lighting. During the short days of winter, provide a night interruption lighting of 4 hours between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. 6-8 weeks to flower.
Fertilization: Medium (150-200 ppm)
