Id-Code: SA 303
Family: Lamiaceae, Labiatae
Origin: Species grows in Pyrenees, Appennines to the Balkans; central Russia to southern Siberia
Special Features: Wide variety of flower colors; interesting seed heads which resemble a medieval monk's cap
History: Introduced by JELITTO PERENNIAL SEEDS in 1996
Colour: A wide array: blue-violet, pale blue, white, pink, pale yellow and bicolors
Natural Flowering Period: June - September
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z5-8
Growth Habit: Low and bushy
Foliage: Leaves 1,5 to 3 cm (0,5'' to 1'') long; mostly ovate
Height with Flower: 25 cm (10'')
Spacing between Plants: 25 cm (10'')
Soil Requirement: Well-drained slightly alkaline soils, pH 6.0 - 7.2
Location: Full sun
Use: Plant together with Allium cernuum, Saponaria 'Snow Tip', Sedum 'Summer Glory' and Gaillardia 'Kobold'
Specialities: An undemanding plant for the rock garden or the front of the border

Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 seeds: 0,909
Seeds per Gram: 1100
Seeding Recommendation: 2 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 2 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 72 or 128
Germination: These seeds germinate rapidly depending on species and origin. If germination does not occur after 3 - 4 weeks a cooling period of 2 - 4 weeks is recommended.

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'')
Vernalization: Some flowering will occur the first year without vernalization, but improved flowering will occur the 2nd year; and 3-10 weeks of cool temperatures might benefit fuller flowering in the first year.
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)