Id-Code: AA 083
Family: Ranunculaceae
Origin: China
Special Features: Climbing Aconitum with hooded, dark wine-red blossoms
History: Some Aconitum species with toxic alkaloids were used by the Barbarians to poison the tips of arrows
Distinction: International Hardy Plant Union (ISU) Award winner
Colour: Dark wine-red
Natural Flowering Period: August - September
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z5-8
Growth Habit: Climbing
Foliage: Bright green, lobed leaves
Height with Flowers: 200 cm (78'')
Spacing between Plants: 75 cm (30'')
Soil Requirements: Evenly moist soils, pH 5.5 - 7.2
Location: Full sun
Use: Let 'Red Wine' weave its way among shrubs or plant on a trellis in the border with Cassia hebecarpa, Eupatorium aromaticum and Gaura 'Summer Breeze'
Specialities: Lovely, unusual vining species

Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 Seeds: 1,563
Seeds per Gram: 640
Seeding Recommendation: 5 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 3-4 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 72, 128 or deep open flat
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.

Scheduling:
Best Sowing Dates: November - March
Sowing to Germination: 8 - 10 weeks
Germination to Transplant: 4 - 6 weeks
Transplanting to Salable Plant: 6 - 8 weeks
Cutting-Back at Transplanting: Not necessary

Growing On:
Container Size(s): 1-2 plugs per 11/12 cm (4 1/2''); 2-3 plugs per 15 cm (6'')
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)