Id-Code: VA 174
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Origin: Europe, Eastern and Central Asia
Special features: Low, dwarf habit, ideally suited for pot production
History: Introduced by JELITTO PERENNIAL SEEDS in 1989
Colour: Low, erect spikes of bright blue
Natural Flowering Period: June - August
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z3-8
Growth Habit: Low, compact and mat-forming
Foliage: Dense mats of toothed, leathery oblong leaves
Height with Flower: 15 cm (6'')
Spacing between Plants: 25 cm (10'')
Soil Requirement: Well-drained gravelly soils preferred, pH 6.8 - 7.5
Location: Full sun
Use: Plant together with Campanula portenschlagiana, Coreopsis 'Sterntaler', Eryngium variifolium, and Pardancanda 'Dazzler'
Specialities: Outstanding for the rockery or for borders with limited space

Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 seeds: 0,067
Seeds per Gram: 15000
Seeding Recommendation: 0,5 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 7-8 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 128 or 288
Germination: These perennial seeds germinate very irregularly over a long period. Lower temperatues 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, cold temperatures are preferred
Sowing to Germination: 4 - 8 weeks
Germination to Transplant: 4 - 6 weeks
Transplanting to Salable Plant: 6 - 8 weeks
Cutting-Back at Transplanting: Not Necessary

Growing On:
Container Size(s): 1 plug per 8/9 cm (3 1/2''); 1-2 plugs per 11/12 cm (4 1/2'')
Vernalization: A prudent recommendation would be to provide 6-12 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)