Id-Code: EA 008
Family: Asteraceae, Compositae
Origin: Southeastern USA
Special Features: Upward curving, deep pink blossoms all face the same direction
History: Introduced by JELITTO PERENNIAL SEED in 2003
Colour: Deep pink flowers
Natural Flowering Period: July - September
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z4-9
Growth Habit: Upright clump
Foliage: Medium green, narrow lanceolate leaves
Height with Flower: 60 cm (24'')
Spacing between Plants: 45 cm (18'')
Soil Requirement: Well-drained soils; pH 5.8 - 6.8
Location: Full sun
Use: Plant in a border or natural garden together with Pennisetum alopecuroides, Trifolium rubens, and Knautia macedonica 'Mars Midget'
Specialities: Long blooming and very adaptable to soil and climate conditions.
Also available as JELITTO GOLD NUGGET SEED^® (EG 008)

Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 seeds: 4
Seeds per Gram: 250
Seeding Recommendation: 12 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 2-3 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 72 or 128
Germination: These seeds germinate rapidly depending on species and origin. If germination does not occur after 3-4 weeks a cooling period of 2-4 weeks is recommended.

Scheduling:
Best Sowing Date: Anytime
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

Growing On:
Container Size(s): 1-2 plugs per 11/12 cm (4 1/2''); 2-3 plugs per 15 cm (6'')
Vernalization: Some flowering will occur the first year without vernalization, but improved flowering will occur the 2nd year; and 3-10 weeks of cool temperatures might benefit fuller flowering in the first year.
Forcing: There has been no research on 'Rocky Top Hybr.', but 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. Some later flowering species can be forced in 14 - 16 weeks and perhaps sooner at warmer temperatures. Further experiments are warranted with 'Rocky Top Hybr.'.
Fertilization: Medium (150-200 ppm)