Id-Code: AA 650
Family: Ranunculaceae
Origin: Eastern North America
Special Features: Shorter than the species, dwarf and compact. Earlier flowering than most columbines
History: Native American Indians used to crush the shiny black seed into a powder and blend in hot water to treat fevers. And bachelors would use the seed paste as a perfume! Introduced by JELITTO PERENNIAL SEED in 2002
Colour: Innumerable brilliant red flowers with yellow corolla
Natural Flowering Period: May - June
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z3-8
Growth Habit: Dwarf and compact
Foliage: Conspicuous deep-green, deeply-lobed foliage with almost waxy appearance
Height with Flower: 25 cm (10'')
Spacing between Plants: 25 cm (10'')
Soil Requirement: Well drained, rocky soils, pH 5.8 - 6.8
Location: Partial shade, can also handle full sun
Use: Plant together with Milium effusum 'Aureum', Heuchera 'Palace Purple Select'
Specialities: Will light up in containers, rock gardens or the border
Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 seeds: 1,053
Seeds per Gram: 950
Seeding Recommendation: 3 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 3 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 128, 288
Germination: These perennial seeds germinate very irregularly over a long period. Lower temperatures of less than +5°C [41°F] are very effective. Seed trays should not be discarded prematurely. Constant moisture must be maintained. Do not leave in direct sunlight.
Scheduling:
Growing On:
Best Sowing Dates: Anytime
Sowing to Germination: 3 - 6 weeks
Germination to Transplant: 4 - 8 weeks
Transplanting to Salable Plant: 10 - 12 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: 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)
