Id-Code: ZA 033
Family: Poaceae, Gramineae
Origin: North America and Northern Mexico
Special Features: Exquisite grey-blue, ribbon-like foliage with reddish-orange autumnal colors
History: Introduced by Jelitto Perennial Seeds in 2007; North American Indians once used dried leaves of the species for winter insulation in their mocasins
Colour: Silvery seed heads
Natural Flowering Period: August - October
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z3-9
Growth Habit: Upright
Foliage: Decorative thin leaf blades that are colored grey-blue
Height with Flowers: 100 cm (40'')
Spacing between Plants: 60 cm (24'')
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils (drought tolerant), pH 5.8 - 7.2
Location: Full sun, warm season grass
Use: Outstanding for naturalizing or planted in the border with Agastache mexicana 'Sangria', Aster oblongifolius and Gaillardia 'Amber Wheels'
Specialities: Lovely foliage can be used in bouquets

Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 Seeds: 1,176
Seeds per Gram: 850
Seeding Recommendation: 3 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 3 - 5 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 128 or 288
Germination: Rapidly germinating, keep seed in constant moisture (not wet) with temperatures of about +20°C [68°F]. Seeds must be covered thinly. Keep in cooler conditions after germination occurs. The germination might be slower and more irregular. This poses no problems.

Scheduling:
Best Sowing Dates: Anytime
Sowing to Germination: 3 - 4 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): 1-2 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: 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)