Id-Code: MA 237
Family: Boraginaceae
Origin: Chatham Islands, New Zealand
Special Features: Exquisite blue flowers and very handsome foliage. The contrary white form is also available
History: Introduced by JELITTO STAUDENSAMEN GMBH in 1999
Colour: Blue
Natural Flowering Period: July - August
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z7-10
Growth Habit: Clumping
Foliage: Dark green, rounded leaves, deeply veined like a hosta
Height with Flowers: 50 cm (20'')
Spacing between Plants: 45 cm (18'')
Soil Requirements: Cool, moist, well-drained soils, pH 5.8 - 6.8
Location: Sun to partial shade; for cooler summer climates
Use: Plant together with Primula bullesiana and Ligularia przewalskii
Specialities: Rare and unusual

Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 seeds: 33,333
Seeds per Gram: 30
Seeding Recommendation: 100g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 2-3 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): open flats
Germination: To stop the germination inhibition give seeds a warm compost (about 22°C) [about 72°F] with constant humidity for at least 6 weeks. Then keep cold (-4 to +4 °C) [25 to 39°F] for 6-8 weeks. Usually, the germination starts at +4°C [39°F]. Raise temperatures gradually up to +10°C [50°F] until germination is completed. If the warm or cold period was not long enough the seeds will not germinate until the following year. They will then need another warm period (summer) and a cold period (winter).

Scheduling:
Best Sowing Dates: Fall to early summer
Sowing to Germination: 16 - 24 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): 1-2 plugs per 11/12 cm (4 1/2''); 2-3 plugs per 15 cm (6'')
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: This species is not a suitable candidate for forcing.
Fertilization: Medium (150-200 ppm)