FastraX

                        Physostegia
             
                        virginiana
             
                        Crystal Peak
Garden’s First Lady
Physostegia virginiana

Crystal Peak

  • FastraX perennial: First year flowering without vernalization
  • Compact plant habit
  • Elegant long flower stems
  • Clear white color
  • Perfect for premium pot production
Crop Time
Spring: 16 - 18 weeks
Height ∅
16 ″ / 40 cm
Exposure
Sun - Partial shade
Seed Form
Raw Seed
Heat Zone
8-4
Hardiness Zone
2b-9b
Best Uses
Bedding, Cutflower

Culture guide

Usage

Pot plants, landscape perennial, cut flower, mixed containers

Sow time

December-March for flowering in pots from May-July. July-August for flowering in larger pots the following year

Sowing method

1-3 seeds per plug

Germination

Stage I: 12-16 days at 65-72 °F (18-22 °C), Stage II-IV: 17-42 days at 60-65 °F (15-18 °C). Use media with very low soluble salt levels and pH: 5.5-7.0. Cover seed lightly with vermiculite after sowing. Keep soil slightly moist but not wet. Avoid direct sunlight by shading seeds after sowing.

Growing on

Transplant plugs after 7 weeks. Grow on at 60-65 °F (15-18 °C), in a humus medium.

Media

Use a well-drained, growing substrate with 15-30 % clay, 0-15 % parts (e.g. bark, perlite, sand), 1-3 kg/m³ complete balanced fertilizer, 0-3 kg/m³ slow release fertilizer (3-9 months), iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.5-7.0.

Temperature

Grow at 50-64 °F (10-18 °C) or outdoors. In winter indoors frost free at 38-41°F (3-5 °C) or outdoors with fleece cover.

Fertilization

High fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 130-150 ppm nitrogen (at 3 kg/m³ slow release fertilizer in substrate), using complete balanced fertilizer. Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. Don‘t fertilize after mid September. In spring fertilize 130-150 ppm nitrogen of a potassium balanced fertilizer (N: K₂O-ratio: 1:1.5). Prevent magnesium deficiency by applying magnesium sulphate (0.05 %) 1-2 times and in case of iron deficiency apply iron-chelate for 1-2 times.


Stage I Starts with the radicle breaking through the testa. The roots are touching the medium. Ends with fully developed cotyledons.
Stage II Starts from fully developed cotyledons. Ends with the fully developed true leaf or true leaf pair.
Stage III Starts from the fully developed true leaf or true leaf pair and ends with 80% of the young plants being marketable.
Stage IV All young plants are ready for sale and in the process of being hardened off. This stage lasts about 7 days.

The cultural recommendations are based on results from trials conducted under Central European conditions. Different conditions in other parts of the world may lead to deviations in results achieved.

Colors of the series