Id-Code: AA 275
Family: Alstroemeriaceae, Amaryllidaceae
Origin: Species native to South America
Special Features: A type, which comes true from seed. It was used for decades by the King, and later the Queen, of Denmark. Flowers bigger than the species, more numerous and the red color is brighter.
History: Arne Jensen, a Danish nurseryman, received a plant from the Royal gardener who eventually shared a plant with Klaus Jelitto. Recognizing that the plant came true from seed, Klaus decided it was deserving of a cultivar name. Thus, it became known as 'Mona Lisa', named in honor of Jensen's wife, Mona Lisa, who was not the subject of Leonardo Da Vinci's painting! Introduced by JELITTO PERENNIAL SEEDS 1993.
Colour: Dark red flowers with greenish tips outside; white with red flecking on the inside
Natural Flowering Period: July - October
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z7-10
Growth Habit: Upright
Foliage: Lily-like
Height with Flower: 90 cm (35'')
Spacing between Plants: 45 cm (18'')
Soil Requirement: Rich soils, slightly acidic, pH 5.8 - 6.8
Location: Full sun to partial shade in hotter climates. A light mulch of pine boughs is recommended in winter.
Use: Plant together with Allium senescens, Caryopteris, Echinacea 'Magnus' and Thalictrum rochebrunianum
Specialities: Good cut-flower
Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 seeds: 14,286
Seeds per Gram: 70
Seeding Recommendation: 40 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 2-3 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 72, 128
Germination: These perennial seeds germinate very irregularly over a long period. Seed trays should not be discarded prematurely. Constant moisture must be maintained. Do not leave in direct sunlight. We recommend to keep sowing for 3 weeks at approximately +30°C (86°F), then 3 weeks at +2 to 4°C (35 to 40°F), then at +21°C (70°F).
Scheduling:
Growing On:
Best Sowing Dates: Anytime, but warm temperatures followed by cold temperatures are essential
Sowing to Germination: 4 - 8 weeks
Germination to Transplant: 4 - 6 weeks
Transplanting to Salable Plant: 6 - 10 weeks
Cutting-Back at Transplanting: Not necessary
Container Size(s): 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: Medium (150-200 ppm); High (200-250 ppm)
