Id-Code: AA 222
Family: Alliaceae, Liliaceae
Origin: Southwestern Europe and Mediterranean
Special features: A species heralded in folklore
Distinction: Royal Horticultural Society's Arward of Garden Merit (A.G.M.)
History: Long ago considered a good luck charm. In The Odyssey, Ulysses was able to walk safely with its protection. The species was first described by John Parkinson in Paradisi in Sole in 1629.
Colour: Buttercup yellow-shaped flowers in mid-sized clusters
Natural Flowering Period: May - June
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z3-8
Growth Habit: Forms small clumps
Foliage: Grey-green lanceolate
Height with Flower: 25 cm (10'')
Spacing between Plants: 25 cm (10'')
Soil Requirement: Well-drained soils, pH 5.8 - 6.8
Location: Full sun or partial shade in hotter climates
Use: Useful in containers, rock gardens or semi-wild situations. Plant together with Alchemilla mollis 'Select', Geranium sanguineum and Heuchera 'Palace Purple Select'
Specialities: Planted in gardens for over 370 years
Cultural Tips:
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:
Growing On:
Grams per 1000 seeds: 6,25
Seeds per Gram: 160
Seeding Recommendation: 15 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.
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: Not necessary
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)
