Id-Code: AA 377
Family: Boraginaceae
Origin: Mediterranean areas from Portugal and east to the Caucasus
Special Features: A shorter, more compact version than the species, with very stable characteristics
History: The species has been used medicinally and horticulturally, for hundreds of years. The pigment, found in the roots, has been used as a dye and also in treatment for wounds.
Colour: Innumerable brilliant gentian-blue flowers, up to 2 cm (3/4'')
Natural Flowering Period: May - September
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z3-10
Growth Habit: Compact, widely branching flowering stems
Foliage: Early deadhanging after flowering forces the plant to re-produce the lanceolate leaves and that promotes better long-term durability
Height with Flower: 90 cm (36'')
Spacing between Plants: 40 cm (16'')
Soil Requirement: Well drained soils, pH 5.8 - 6.8
Location: Full sun
Use: Plant together with Knautia 'Mars Midget', Salvia 'Vatican White'
Specialities: Early deadheading after flowering encourages reblooming in September. Good container perennial. Better over-wintering than the species.
Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 seeds: 25
Seeds per Gram: 40
Seeding Recommendation: 50 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 2 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 72s or open flats
Germination: These seeds must be covered with a layer seed kernel diameter. Keep daytime temperatures at approximately +20°C [68°F], and keep the moisture constant. The seeds must be kept in the light and moderately warm after germination.
Scheduling:
Growing On:
Best Sowing Dates: Anytime
Sowing to Germination: 3 - 4 weeks
Germination to Transplant: 2 - 4 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: 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: Light (100-150 ppm)
