Garden Seeds – Tips on Growing Armeria (Thrift)  From Seed

• The seed flats should be moistened and moved to a warm environment, where the temperatures can be maintained at 68-70° F for germination.
• Starting armeria inside of a germination chamber will increase both the rate and percentage of germination, while decreasing the time necessary for all of the seeds to sprout.
• Radicals will appear in two to three days, and cotyledons should emerge five to eight days after sowing at these temperatures. They are sensitive to high salt levels during germination.
• Once germinated, they can be grown with temperatures from 65-68° F. Following germination, reduce moisture levels and allow the growing medium to dry out slightly before watering to help promote rooting.
• Fertilizers are usually applied once the true leaves are present, applying 75- to 100-ppm nitrogen every third irrigation or 50 ppm with every irrigation, using a calcium/potassium nitrate feed.

USDA Hardiness Zone -First Frost Date- Last Frost Date

• Zone 1 -July 15th -June 15th
• Zone 2 -August 15th- May 15th
• Zone 3 -September 15th May 15th
• Zone 4 -September 15th May 15th
• Zone 5 -October 15th April 15th
• Zone 6 -October 15th April 15th
• Zone 7 -October 15th April 15th
• Zone 8 -November 15th March 15th
• Zone 9 -December 15th February 15th
• Zone 10 -December 15th January 31st (sometimes earlier)
• Zone 11 _No frost. No frost.

Terms and their meaning: EC=Electrical Conductivity

Plant injury resulting from excessive soluble salts may first occur as a mild chlorosis of the foliage, later progressing to a necrosis of leaf tips and margins. This type of injury is largely attributed to the mobility of soluble salts within the plant. As these salts are rapidly translocated throughout the plant, they accumulate at the leaf tips and margins. Once the salts reach a toxic level they cause the characteristic "burn" associated with excessive salts. For an accurate reading get an EC meter. Soluble salts in irrigation water are measured in terms of electrical conductivity (EC). The higher the salt content the greater the EC. In general EC values exceeding 2.0 are considered toxic to plant growth. Monitor your water quality frequently in order to avoid potential problems from soluble salts.

FC=Foot Candles

 Light intensity is a primary factor in the photosynthesis of all plants. Full unobstructed sunlight has an intensity of about 10,000 fc. Where as an overcast day will produce an intensity of around 1,000 fc. A window sill or light around a window or patio glass door can range from 100 to 5,000 depending of course what direction the light source is facing, or the time of year and your latitude.

PPM=Parts Per Million This unit of measure is relatively unique to the greenhouse industry and often there is some confusion on how ppm is calculated. I. To calculate the ppm contained in 1 ounce of material first solve for B: A x 75 = B  A = the % active ingredient (AI) in the fertilizer B = ppm contained in 1 ounce of the material in 100 gallons of water  Example: Calcium nitrate contains 15% N (0.15 x 75 = 11.25). If 1 ounce of calcium nitrate is dissolved in 100 gallons of water the solution will contain a II. To calculate the number of ounces of material required to make up a desired ppm concentration solve for C:  C = Desired ppm conc. / B B = ppm contained in 1 ounce of the material in 100 gallons of water (from above). C = number of ounces of material to add to 100 gallons of water to achieve the desired concentration.  Example: To make up a 250 ppm solution of calcium nitrate first multiply the AI x 75 (.15 x 75 = 11.25). Next divide the desired concentration by 11.25 (250/11.25 = 22). To make up a 250 ppm solution of calcium nitrate you would add 22 ounces to 100 gallons of water. aproximately 11.25 ppm N.