I live in a 5a microclimate. When I purchase a perennial it is an investment so I try to research the plant(s) from Cooperatives, Universities or Dept of Ag. I'm not saying they have all the info we want either. I guess listing all these factors is either too much work because they must have the information or they are covering their butts by not. I can't account for the exaggerations at the seed companies but that is marketing.
I bought 'White Soul' Alpine Strawberries. I went through 2 packets, following the instructions and I emailed the very reputable seed company for help. I got nothing in the time frame the seeds were to germinate, 70º. Then came the cool late summer early fall weather and I got 2 plants. I thought about it. It made sense to me that these Alpine plants would take in the cooler weather. The wild strawberry plants do. I have the White Soul indoors now at 50º and they are growing slowly but well.
Sometimes one has to use our intuitive knowledge of nature.
