Limonium sinuatum
The light, airy flowers on long stems have become a standard filler in mixed bouquets.
Propagation:
- This annunal species is propagated from seeds, either as raw seeds, or cleaned. The latter are easier to sow and have higher germination percentage.
- Seedlings emerge in 1 to 2 weeks at room temperature, and are ready to transplant in 4 to 5 weeks.
Growing:
- Spaced 12 x 12 in. in beds, the plants start flowering in about 3 months from sowing.
- For rapid flowering, a cold treatment (50-55 F) in the seedling stage for 3 to 8 weeks is recommended, although early transplanting into the high tunnel in spring should satisfy that.
- Plants continue to flower all season long, providing stems for easy marketing.
Varieties:
- A number of varieties have been developed as series, with a range of colors in each.
- We have tried a number of color mixes and found them to be quite productive, ranging in stem numbers per plant from 17 to 39.
- A perennial species, L. perezii is a month later in flowering than the annual lines, and unsuited to temperate tunnel production.
Postharvest Handling:
- Most varieties will last 1 to 2 weeks in the vase in water, and also maintain excellent color when dried.
- Extended leaf-like projections along the stem are common with many varieties, and tend to shorten vase life if not stripped away at harvest.
For more information, see: Armitage, A.M. and J.M. Laushman. 2003. Specialty Cut Flowers, 2nd Edition. Timber Press, 586 pp. Available through ASCFG.