Id-Code: EA 206
Family: Asteraceae, Compositae
Origin: Eastern USA
Special Features: Broad corymbs of rose-purple flowers on tall red stems
Distinction: Award of Garden Merit (A.G.M.) from The Royal Horticultural Society
History: The common name, Joe Pye, came from a 19th century Caucasian "Indian Theme Promoter" who used this plant medicinally
Colour: Rose-purple
Natural Flowering Period: July - September
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z4-8
Growth Habit: Tall and erect
Foliage: 3 - 6 lanceolate leaves in whorls
Height with Flower: 200 cm (78'')
Spacing between Plants: 75 cm (30'')
Soil Requirement: Moist soils, pH 5.8 - 6.8
Location: Full sun to partial shade
Use: A wonderful perennial for planting in the wild garden or the back of the border with Knautia macedonica, Rudbeckia subtomentosa and Veronicastrum (Veronica) virginica 'Alba'
Specialities: A plant of great architectural merit.
Also available as JELITTO GOLD NUGGET SEED^® (EG 206)

Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 seeds: 0,5
Seeds per Gram: 2000
Seeding Recommendation: 2 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 4 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 72s or open flats
Germination: The sowing must be kept warm (about +18 to 22°C) (about 64 to 72°F) and moist for the first 2-4 weeks. After this period the sowing must be kept at a cold temperature (between -4 and +4°C) (between 25 and 39°F) for another 4-6 weeks. It is not so important if the temperature is higher of lower during the cooling period, but the cooling period has to be prolonged because the synthesis of the germination inducer, homonlike acid, slows down or comes to a standstill.
It is beneficial to cover the sowing with snow during the cooling period. After this cooling period the sowing may not be immediately exposed to high temperatures. The most effective temperatures are between +5 to 12°C (41 to 54°F), even if germination has started. The best location for this sowing, even in March, April and May, is open field, the cold frame or a cold greenhouse.

Scheduling:
Best Sowing Date: November - March
Sowing to Germination: 8 - 10 weeks
Germination to Transplant: 4 - 8 weeks
Transplanting to salable Plant: 6 - 10 weeks
Cutting-Back at Transplanting: Cut-back once to keep more compact

Growing On:
Container Size(s): 1-2 plugs per 11/12 cm (4 1/2''); 2-3 plugs per 15 cm (6'')
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: This species is not a suitable candidate for forcing.
Fertilization: Medium (150-200 ppm)