
Id-Code: AA 064
Family: Apiaceae, Umbelliferae
Origin: New Zealand
Special Features: Tidy cushions sporting creamy umbel flowers
Colour: Creamy white
Natural Flowering Period: July - August
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z7-10
Growth Habit: Ground-hugging evergreen tight rosettes
Foliage: Flat, grassy spikes
Height with Flower: 30 cm (12'')
Spacing between Plants: 15 cm (6'')
Soil Requirement: Well-drained soils, pH 5.5 - 6.5
Location: Partial shade to full sun
Use: Plant together with Dianthus serotinus, Sedum oreganum, and Gentiana divisa
Specialities: A well-behaved plant for the rockery
Cultural Tips: Scheduling:
Growing On:
Grams per 1000 seeds: 1,961
Seeds per Gram: 510
Seeding Recommendation: 5 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 2-3 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 72s or open flats
Germination: The sowing must be kept warm (about +18 to 22°C) [about 64 to 72°F] and moist for the first 2-4 weeks. After this period the sowing must be kept at a cold temperature (between -4 and +4°C) [between 25 and 39°F] for another 4-6 weeks. It is not so important if the temperature is higher or lower during the cooling period, but the cooling period has to be prolonged because the synthesis of the germination inducer, hormonlike acid, slows down or comes to a standstill.
It is beneficial to cover the sowing with snow during the cooling-period. The temperature below it usually keeps in the optimum range of -4 to 0°C [25 to 32°F]. The sowing is kept moist, and the melting snow helps to destroy the shell, which is advantageous for the germinating seedling. After this cooling-period the sowing may not be immediately exposed to high temperatures. The most effective temperatures are between +5 to 12°C [41 to 54°F], even if germination has started. The best location for this sowing, even in March, April and May, is the open field, the cold frame or a cold greenhouse.
The directions above do not always show the best results. After the cooling-period some species need a longer time until germination starts. As some seeds do not germinate until the next year, it is important not to throw away the seed boxes too early.
Best Sowing Dates: November-March
Sowing to Germination: 6 - 10 weeks
Germination to Transplant: 4 - 6 weeks
Transplanting to Salable Plant: 6 - 10 weeks
Cutting-Back at Transplanting: Not necessary
Container Size(s): 1-2 plugs per 11/12 cm (4 1/2'')
Vernalization: A prudent recommendation would be to provide 6-12 weeks at an average daily temperature of 40°F (5°C). Exposure to cold may not be necessary for flowering but might improve quality.
Forcing: This species is not a suitable candidate for forcing.
Fertilization: Medium (150-200 ppm)