Marketing Name: Kiwi Blue, Purple Belle

Id-Code: CA 900
Family: Boraginaceae
Origin: Southern Europe
Special Features: Showy annual (sometimes biennial) with magnetic blossoms with blue-violet petals and steel blue bracts
Colour: Enchanting blue blossoms
Natural Flowering Period: June - September
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z5-9
Growth Habit: Upright
Foliage: Grey-green leaves are perfect complement to the blue blossoms
Height with Flowers: 45 cm (18'')
Spacing between Plants: 45 cm (18'')
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils, pH 5.8 - 7.2
Location: Full sun to partial shade
Use: Plant together in the border or in container with Digitalis 'Pam's Choice', Lychnis chalcedonica and Salvia argentea
Specialities: Stunning annual species that combines beautifully with all colors

Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 Seeds: 50
Seeds per Gram: 20
Seeding Recommendation: 100 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 1-2 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 72 or 128
Germination: Rapidly germinating, keep seed in constant moisture (not wet) with temperatures of about +20°C [68°F]. Seeds must be covered thinly. Keep in cooler conditions after germination occurs. The germination might be slower and more irregular. This poses no problems.

Scheduling:
Best Sowing Dates: Anytime
Sowing to Germination: 2 - 3 weeks
Germination to Transplant: 4 - 6 weeks
Transplanting to Salable Plant: 6 - 8 weeks
Cutting-Back at Transplanting: Cut-back once to keep more compact

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: No vernalization required for flowering in the first year.
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)