Clips Blue

Culture guide

Usage

Perennials for rock garden, all year pot plants

Sow time

For 1: End May-End June; For 2: November-March for flowering in April-August; For 3: March for flowering in July-August

Sowing method

For 1: 8-12 seeds per plug; For 2 and 3: 10-15 seeds per plug

Germination

Sow in a well-drained media with good moisture holding capacity. Germinates in 14-21 days at 65-70 °F (18-21 °C) with 95 % relative humidity. No cover is necessary.

Growing on

Transplant plugs after 10-12 weeks. Plant 1-3 plugs in a 4" (10 cm) pot, and 3 plugs in a 6" (15 cm) pot. To promote root development, maintain soil moisture levels and temperatures of 60-65 °F (15-18 °C) for 2-3 weeks after transplanting. Once roots begin to develop, gradually lower temperatures to 55 °F (12 °C). Begin feeding at 150-200 ppm nitrogen in a well balanced formula.

Media

Use a well-drained, growing perennial substrate with 20-30 % clay, 1-1,5 kg/m³ complete balanced fertilizer, iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.5-6.2.

Temperature

Grow at 13-18 °C. In winter indoors frost free at 3-5 °C or outdoors (for 1). Outdoor fleece cover needed. In spring the plants start to grow for 5-9 weeks at 15-18 °C (for 1). Cold temperatures at 13-15 °C will increase the cultivation time. A chilling period for flower initiation is not required (for 2 and 3).

Fertilization

Moderate fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 150 -200 ppm nitrogen, using a potassium balanced fertilizer (N: K₂O-ratio: 1:1,5). Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. Don’t fertilize after mid September. In spring fertilize with 150-200 ppm nitrogen of a complete balanced fertilizer. Prevent magnesium deficiency by applying magnesium sulphate (0,025 %) 1-2 times and in case of iron deficiency apply iron-chelate for 1-2 times.