Id-Code: DA 288
Family: Caryophllaceae
Origin: Eastern and Central Europe
Special Features: Large double and fragrant pink blossoms on short flowering stems above blue-green, compact grass-like cushions
History: Introduced by JELITTO PERENNIAL SEEDS in 1985
Colour: Pink
Natural Flowering Period: May - July
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z3-8
Growth Habit: Low, compact cushions
Foliage: Blue-green, grass-like leaves
Height with Flower: 25 cm (10'')
Spacing between Plants: 30 cm (12'')
Soil Requirement: Well drained soils, pH 6.2 - 7.2
Location: Full sun
Use: Plant together with Aquilegia 'Red Hobbit', Anacyclus 'Silberkissen' and Alchemilla erythopoda
Specialities: Great cottage plant; excellent for container production

Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 seeds: 1,429
Seeds per Gram: 700
Seeding Recommendation: 3 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 2 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 128 or 288
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.

Scheduling:
Best Sowing Date: Anytime
Sowing to Germination: 2 - 3 weeks
Germination to Transplant: 4 - 8 weeks
Transplanting to salable Plant: 6 - 10 weeks
Cutting-Back at Transplanting: Not necessary

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: There is no current research on vernalization but a prudent recommendation for any perennial would be 6-12 weeks (a few might need 15 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)