Id-Code: GA 231
Family: Geraniaceae
Origin: Originated from the clonally produced 'Midnight Reiter'
Special Features: Seeds produce foliage - 98% consistency - with handsome dark reddish-plum colored foliage
History: 'Midnight Reiter', itself a spin-off of 'Victor Reiter' whose namesake was the legendary California nurseryman
Introduced by JELITTO PERENNIAL SEEDS in 2006
Colour: Blue-lilac
Natural Flowering Period: June - August
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z4-8
Growth Habit: Low-growing
Foliage: Beautiful finely dissected, dark reddish-plum colored foliage
Height with Flowers: 25 cm (10'')
Spacing between Plants: 30 cm (12'')
Soil Requirements: Evenly moist soils, pH 5.5 - 6.5
Location: Sunny to partially shady conditions that are not too hot or dry
Use: Lovely foliage possibilities with Alchemilla erythopoda, Heuchera villosa var. macrorrhizza and Stachys 'Silky Fleece'
Specialities: Beautiful in mixed containers and small enough for the cool rock garden.
Also available as JELITTO GOLD NUGGET SEED^® (GG 231)

Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 Seeds: 9,091
Seeds per Gram: 110
Seeding Recommendation: 20 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 2 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 72, 128
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 or lower during the cooling period, but the cooling period has to be prolonged because the synthesis of the germination inducer, hormonlike acid, slows down or comes to a standstill. It is beneficial to cover the sowing with snow during the cooling-period. The temperature below it usually keeps in the optimum range of -4 to 0°C [25 to 32°F]. The sowing is kept moist, and the melting snow helps to destroy the shell, which is advantageous for the germinating seedling. 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 the open field, the cold frame or a cold greenhouse.

Scheduling:
Best Sowing Dates: November - March
Sowing to Germination: 10 - 12 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 8.75 cm (3 1/2''); 1-2 plugs per 10 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: 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: Medium (150-200 ppm)