Id-Code: AA 145
Family: Lamiaceae, Labiatae
Origin: Southwestern USA and Northern Mexico
Special Features: Lemon-scented foliage and dozens of whorled-red-purple blossoms
History: Known in Mexico as Toronjil. Introduced by Jelitto Perennial Seeds in 2007
Colour: Red-purple
Natural Flowering Period: July - October
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z7-10
Growth Habit: Upright
Foliage: Elliptical-shaped and lemon-scented
Height with Flowers: 120 cm (48'')
Spacing between Plants: 60 cm (24'')
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils (very drought tolerant), pH 5.8 - 7.2
Location: Full sun
Use: Plant in mixed containers or the border with Amsonia hubrichtii, Andropogon 'Prairie Blues' and Gaillardia 'Amber Wheels'
Specialities: First Year flowering; culinary and tea use

Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 Seeds: 0,323
Seeds per Gram: 3100
Seeding Recommendation: 1 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 3 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 128, 288
Germination: Rapidly germinating, keep seed in constant moisture (not wet) with temperatures of about +20°C [68°F]. Seeds must be covered thinly. Keep in cooler conditions after germination occurs.

Scheduling:
Best Sowing Dates: Anytime
Sowing to Germination: 2 - 3 weeks
Germination to Transplant: 4 - 6 weeks
Transplanting to Salable Plant: 6 - 8 weeks
Cutting-Back at Transplanting: Cut back once at transplanting and once again 4 weeks later

Growing On:
Container Size(s): 1 plug per 8/9 cm (3 1/2''); 1-2 plugs per 11/12 cm (4 1/2''); 2-3 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: Medium (150-200 ppm)