| Common Name | Trachelium, Throatwort |
| Genus | Trachelium |
| Species | T. caeruleum |
| Family | Campanulaceae |
| Life Cycle | Half-hardy annual, short-lived perennial in warmer zones |
| Tray Size | 125, 285 |
| Plug Care | Bump up into larger cells or plant out soon after arrival - do not allow them to become root bound or the overall success of the plant will be affected. Keep well watered while in the plug trays - do not allow to dry out. Harden off for a couple days before planting out. |
| Netting / Staking | One or two layers of netting is recommended to keep plants upright and stems straight. |
| Temperature Range | Plants will grow best when days are 60-75F and nights are 55-65F but mature plants will fare well in summer heat. Fall planting in the field should be left for those in zones 8 or warmer. Early spring planting or fall planting in a tunnel is best in cooler zones. |
| Spacing | 6-9" apart |
| Soil Preference | Soil must hold moisture but be well-draining. Saturated soils will encourage the development of root diseases. Water frequently to keep the soil damp. Amend soil with compost prior to planting or fertilize regularly with liquid 20-10-20 (or similar) for best growth. |
| Day Length | Obligate long-day plants. Plants require 16 hour days to initiate flowering. |
| Pinching | Pinching not necessary. By not pinching you will get a larger central umbel with several smaller side umbels called 'satellites'. Pinching will create more uniform stems. Space plants more closely together if you aren't planning to pinch and give them more space if you are going to pinch - those side branches need room to develop. |
| When to Plant | The Lake Michigan cultivar has the greatest potential for year-round production in warmer climates. Can be planted mid-winter to early spring for spring and summer flowering, or in the summer to early fall for winter flowering (artificial lighting required to initiate budding). |
| Harvesting | Harvest stems when half or more of the individual florets in an umbel are open. Buds will continue to open in the vase. Planting to harvest can happen in 16-18 weeks. |
| Post Harvest Care | Cut stems should be stored in fresh water or use a holding solution. Store at 40F and avoid exposure to ethylene. Vase life averages approximately 11 days. Extended cold storage in the cooler will decrease vase life. |
| Diseases / Insects | The most prevalent insect pests are aphids, leaf rollers and thrips. The most common diseases are bacterial blight, pythium, phytophthora, rhizoctonia. Space plants properly to allow for good air movement through the foliage and plant in well drained soil to avoid root diseases. |
| Bailey's Notes | Trachelium 'Lake Michigan' are lightly scented and add a delicate, lacy texture to arrangements. |
| Resources | Trachelium Lake Series Culture Sheet |
