Id-Code: GA 004
Family: Asteraceae, Compositae
Origin: Colorado (USA)
Special Features: Larger blossoms than typical species
History: Introduced by JELITTO PERENNIAL SEEDS in 2006
Colour: Golden flowers with amber-red centers
Natural Flowering Period: June - September
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z3-9
Growth Habit: Upright
Foliage: Medium-green oblong to lance-shaped leaves
Height with Flowers: 75 cm (30'')
Spacing between Plants: 60 cm (24'')
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, lean soils, pH 6.2 - 7.2
Location: Full sun
Use: Plant together in the border with Echinacea 'Hula Dancer', Echinops 'Arctic Glow' and Verbascum 'Wedding Candles'
Specialities: Second year flowering; drought resistant. Also available as JET® seeds (GT 004)
Cultural Tips:
Scheduling:
Growing On:
Grams per 1000 Seeds: 4
Seeds per Gram: 250
Seeding Recommendation: 12 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 3-4 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 72, 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.
Best Sowing Dates: Anytime
Sowing to Germination: 2 - 3 weeks
Germination to Transplant: 4 - 8 weeks
Transplanting to Salable Plant: 6 - 10 weeks
Cutting-Back at Transplanting: Cut back 1-2 times: once at transplanting, once again 4 weeks later to keep more compact
Container Size(s): 1 plug per 8 cm (4 1/2''); 2 - 3 plugs per 11/12 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: 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. Requires two growing seasons for abundant flowering.
Fertilization: Medium (150-200 ppm)
