Id-Code: AA 202
Family: Alliaceae, Liliaceae
Origin: Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey
Special Features: Intriguing 20-25 cm (8"-10") spheres consisting of innumerable of star shaped, lilac-colored flowers
Distinction: Award of Garden Merit (A.G.M.) from The Royal Horticultural Society
Color: Lilac
Natural Flowering Period: June - July
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z6-10
Growth Habit: Bulbous: strong flowering stems preceded by attractive foliage.
Foliage: Grey-green strap-shaped leaves covered in small white hairs
Height with Flower: 40 cm (16'')
Spacing between Plants: 45 cm (18'')
Soil Requirement: Tolerant of dry soils; pH 5.8 - 6.8
Location: Full sun
Use: Plant together in the border with Baptisia australis var. minor, Papaver orientale 'Royal Wedding' and Salvia argentea
Specialities: Fantastic dried flowers

Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 seeds: 6,667
Seeds per Gram: 150
Seeding Recommendation: 20g/ 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 6 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.

Scheduling:
Best Sowing Date: November - March
Sowing to Germination: 8 - 10 weeks
Germination to Transplant: 8 - 10 weeks
Transplanting to salable Plant: 8 - 12 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: 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: 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: Light (100-150 ppm)