Lake Michigan Purple, (F1) Trachelium Seed

Lake Michigan Purple (F1) Trachelium Seed

Purple flower clusters combine central and satellite umbels
Long-day response requires at least sixteen light hours
Medium-green foliage supports clean floral presentation
Excellent vase life benefits fresh arrangements

See product details

Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Trachelium caeruleum

Days to maturity

105 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

50 Seeds

About Lake Michigan Purple, (F1) Trachelium Seed, Trachelium Seed

The 'Lake Collection' Purple offers a long-day flowering Trachelium variety that produces the large central umbel with smaller purple side umbels or “satellites.” Excellent vase life and great for floral arrangements. Foliage is medium green. Needs a minimum of 16 hours of day length to flower. Also know as the throat flower.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

Top of Soil

Days to Germination

14–21 days

Germination Type

D - Surface Sow

In-row plant spacing

10-12"

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

30 inches

Growth Habits

Clumping, Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

625,000

Color

Purple

Seed Type

Hybrid, Pelleted

Before Planting

Trachelium benefits from a full-sun to lightly shaded location with fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Remove weeds, work compost into the bed, and provide good air circulation without exposing plants to severe wind. Prepare a fine seedbed and verify whether trachelium seed needs chilling, soaking, or light for germination.

Planting

Sow trachelium outdoors in fall or start indoors according to its germination requirement; many perennial species benefit from a cool period before warmth. Maintain even moisture during germination and provide bright light after emergence. Harden indoor-grown seedlings before planting outdoors. Transplant while young to minimize root disturbance, and thin direct sowings after sturdy true leaves develop.

Watering

Trachelium flowers best with steady root-zone moisture. Irrigate deeply during dry periods, allowing slight surface drying between waterings and keeping water off leaves whenever practical.

Fertilizer

Trachelium needs only moderate feeding. Use diluted balanced fertilizer during active growth, following label rates and limiting nitrogen so plants remain compact and flower freely.

Harvesting

Harvest trachelium as buds begin opening or when blooms reach full color, depending on intended use. Cut above a branching point, place stems in water promptly, and remove spent flowers regularly.

Tips

Support trachelium early in windy sites and avoid waiting until stems fall. Cut or deadhead above a branching point to encourage additional bloom, leaving healthy foliage intact.

Pests & Diseases

Trachelium may develop Botrytis, powdery mildew, bacterial leaf spot, and Pythium or Rhizoctonia root rot. Provide airflow around dense flower clusters and remove spent blooms promptly. Keep seedlings evenly moist, not saturated, and discard plants with spreading water-soaked lesions or blackened stem bases.

Monitor trachelium for aphids, thrips, mites, beetles, slugs, and chewing caterpillars. Remove badly infested growth, use physical controls first, and apply labeled treatments outside pollinator-active hours.