Id-Code: RA 172
Family: Asteraceae, Compositae
Origin: North America: Missouri, south to Louisiana and Texas
Special Features: Handsome foliage and towering flowering stems with drooping golden blossoms surrounding the tall (5 cm/2'') black center
Colour: Golden
Natural Flowering Period: August - September
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z5-9
Growth Habit: Upright
Foliage: Grey-green paddle-shaped leaves
Height with Flower: 200 cm (78'')
Spacing between Plants: 75 cm (30'')
Soil Requirement: Well-drained soils, pH 5.8 - 6.8
Location: Full sun
Use: A wonderful specimen plant. Also well-suited for the back of the border or meadow planting. Plant together with Gaillardia 'Burgundy', Knautia macedonica and Pennisetum alopecuroides
Specialities: Attractive for its foliage alone. The flowers come as a bonus

Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 seeds: 9,091
Seeds per Gram: 110
Seeding Recommendation: 15 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 3 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 72s or open flats
Germination: These perennial seeds germinate very irregularly over a long period. Lower temperatures of less than +5°C (41°F) are very effective. Seed trays should not be discarded prematurely. Constant moisture must be maintained. Do not leave in direct sunlight.

Scheduling:
Best Sowing Dates: November - March
Sowing to Germination: 4 - 8 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: 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)