Id-Code: SA 396
Family: Apiaceae, Umbelliferae
Origin: Kashmir, India and Pakistan
Special Features: White umbels on red stems with fine fern-like foliage
Colour: White flat-topped umbels
Natural Flowering Period: June - August
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z6-9
Growth Habit: Upright tidy clumps
Foliage: Very finely-cut, dark green leaves attached to red stems
Height with Flower: 120 cm (48'')
Spacing between Plants: 60 cm (24'')
Soil Requirement: Well-drained soils, pH 5.8 - 6.2
Location: Full sun or partial shade
Use: Plant in the border with Chrysanthemum 'Brightside', Echinacea 'Rocky Top Hybrids' and Salvia argentea
Specialities: Cut flower

Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 seeds: 2
Seeds per Gram: 500
Seeding Recommendation: 5 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 2-3 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 72s or open flats
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: 8 - 10 weeks
Germination to Transplant: 4 - 6 weeks
Transplanting to Salable Plant: 6 - 8 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 little advantage to vernalization even though a cold period won't do any harm on this or any perennial seed item.
Forcing: This species is not a suitable candidate for forcing.
Fertilization: Medium (150-200 ppm)