Id-Code: SA 620
Family: Lamiaceae, Labiatae
Origin: Turkey-Iran
Special Features: A dwarf lambs' ear - fuzzy leaves that beg to be touched
History: Introduced by JELITTO PERENNIAL SEEDS in 2006
Colour: Spikes of lilac-plum flowers
Natural Flowering Period: July - August
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z4-7
Growth Habit: Low growing ground cover
Foliage: Soft silky gray leaves
Height with Flowers: 25 cm (10'')
Spacing between Plants: 25 cm (10'')
Soil Requirements: Well-drained garden soils; pH 5.8 - 6.8
Location: Full sun
Use: Ideal for cooler summer climates that do not become too hot and humid. Lovely in the rock garden, 'Silky Fleece' also makes a superb edging plant in the border. The silver gray foliage blends well with the different colors and textures of virtually all groundcovers
Specialities: Irresistable foliage!
Cultural Tips:
Scheduling:
Growing On:
Grams per 1000 Seeds: 1,852
Seeds per Gram: 540
Seeding Recommendation: 3 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 3-4 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 72 or 288
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
Best Sowing Dates: November - March
Sowing to Germination: 3 - 6 weeks
Germination to Transplant: 4 - 8 weeks
Transplanting to Salable Plant: 6 - 10 weeks
Cutting-Back at Transplanting: Not necessary
Container Size(s): 1 plug per 8/9 cm (4 1/2''); 1-2 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: Light (100-150 ppm)
