Id-Code: AA 094
Family: Ranunculaceae
Origin: Europe, Asia and North America
Special Features: Spikes of deep blue hooded flowers
History: All plant parts are toxic including the roots. Aconitum was used by the barbarians to poison the tips of their arrows.
Colour: Deep blue
Natural Flowering Period: June - August
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z3-7
Growth Habit: Upright
Foliage: Bright green lobed leaves
Height with Flowers: 90 cm (36'')
Spacing between Plants: 75 cm (30'')
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils, pH 5.8 - 6.8
Location: Full sun
Use: Plant in the summer border with Echinacea 'Rocky Top Hybr.', Penstemon x mexicale 'Sunburst Ruby' and Peucedanum verticillare
Specialities: Cut flower candidate. Also available as JELITTO GOLD NUGGET SEED^® (AG 094)

Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 Seeds: 2,5
Seeds per Gram: 400
Seeding Recommendation: 10 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 2-3 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 72s or deep 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.

Most species of the Ranunculus-family need lower temperatures during the cooling-period - about -5°C [23°F]. The reason is probably the freezing point of these seeds, which is at -7°C [19°F], while most other seeds freeze at -5 °C [23°F].

Scheduling:
Best Sowing Dates: November - March
Sowing to Germination: 8 - 10 weeks
Germination to Transplant: 4 - 8 weeks
Transplanting to Salable Plant: 6 - 10 weeks
Cutting-Back at Transplanting: Cut-back once to keep more compact

Growing On:
Container Size(s): 1 plug per 11/12 cm (4 1/2''); 2 plugs per 15 cm (6'')
Vernalization: There is no current research on vernalization but a prudent recommendation for any perennial would be 6-12 weeks (a few might need 15 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: An obvious place to experiment - following vernalization - would be raising daytime temperatures to 60° - 65°F (15° - 17°C). 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.
Fertilization: High (200-300 ppm)