Id-Code: EA 169
Family: Apiaceae, Umbelliferae
Origin: Central and Southeastern Europe; Central Asia
Special Features: Intense blue flowers on wiry stems
History: Introduced by JELITTO PERENNIAL SEEDS in 1992.
Originating from the sterile cultivar, 'Blauer Zwerg' (Blue Dwarf), this introduction grows a bit taller but can be easily produced by seed
Colour: Architecturally interesting round blue blossoms with spiny bracts
Natural Flowering Period: June - September
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z4-8
Growth Habit: Upright and sturdy
Foliage: Roundish, leathery, dark green basal leaves; almost spiny palmate-like, upper leaves
Height with Flower: 70 cm (28'')
Spacing between Plants: 46 cm (18'')
Soil Requirement: Any well drained soils, pH 5.8 - 6.8
Location: Full sun
Use: Plant together with Chrysanthemum 'Snowdrift', Alceas (hollyhocks), Coreopsis 'Sterntaler', and Platycodon 'Hakone White'
Specialities: Outstanding as a cut flower
Cultural Tips: Scheduling:
Growing On:
Grams per 1000 seeds: 2,941
Seeds per Gram: 340
Seeding Recommendation: 10 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 2-3 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 72s or open flats
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.
Best Sowing Date: November - March
Sowing to Germination: 4 - 8 weeks
Germination to Transplant: 4 - 6 weeks
Transplanting to salable Plant: 6 - 8 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: There has been no research on 'Blaukappe', 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 'Blaukappe'.
Fertilization: Medium (150-200 ppm)
