Id-Code: PG 330 - JELITTO GOLD NUGGET SEED^®
Family: Solanaceae
Origin: Western Asia to Japan
Special Features: Orange berries in orange, papery lanterns
Colour: Unconspicuous white flowers
Natural Flowering Period: June - July
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z3-9
Growth Habit: Upright, shrubby habit
Foliage: Medium green, alternate leaves
Height with Flowers: 100 cm (40'')
Spacing between Plants: 120 cm (48'')
Soil Requirements: Average to moist soil; pH 6.2-7.4
Location: Full sun
Use: Plant Physalis 'Gigantea' in a large sunny, border with Phlomis russeliana, Phormium tenax 'Purpurea', and Lychnis 'Vesuvius'
Specialities: Plant in a large container; use the cut branches in fresh or dried arrangements.
Also available as normal seeds (PA 330)

Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 seeds: 1,587
Seeds per Gram: 630
Seeding Recommendation: 2,5 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 3 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 72s or open flats
Germination: JELITTO GOLD NUGGET SEED^® germinate after 3 - 4 weeks, keep seed in constant moisture (not wet) with temperatures of about + 20°C (68°F). Seeds must be covered thinly. After germination, the seedlings must be kept cool (+5 to 10°C) (41 to 50°F) in the months with less daylight hours, but must not be exposed to frost. At this time, it is of great benefit if the seedlings can receive at least 12 hours of light per day.

Scheduling:
Best Sowing Dates: Anytime
Sowing to Germination: 3 - 4 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: 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)