CULTURE THAT WORKS
propagation
• Roots rapidly; plant from a liner at 22-24 days
• Apply rooting hormone to the base of cutting
• Start feed program around day 7
• Early growth is slower than some others; may not require PGR application in propagation
• Important to plant from liners into finished container as soon as they are well rooted
• Uses feed aggressively; feeding should begin early in propagation around day 7
• Failure to feed early enough will result in yellowing and hardening
early finished growth
• Very strong-branched variety must be pinched early: at day 14-16 from a liner; at day 24-26 for direct-stick
• Failure to pinch early will result in uneven branching
• Apply light PGR when dominant branches are 1-1.5 in. (2.5-4 cm) using Cycocel spray at 500-750 ppm; recommended to even out branches
• Failure to do the early Cycocel applications can result in plants with more dominant bracts
growing on
• Grows steadily once the branches develop and exhibits consistent moderate growth throughout the crop until color begins
• Northern Climate: PGR should be limited to only Cycocel spray at 500 ppm
• Southern Climate: Can use Cycocel spray up to 1,000 ppm
Use 1-2 spray applications of B-Nine (1,000 ppm)/Cycocel (500 ppm) before September 20
• Later applications of PGR should be straight Cycocel spray 500-750 ppm and/or Micro Bonzi drenches beginning in early October
late growing stages
• Very strong root system; requires continuous feed until finish
• Watch media EC; reduce feed levels to avoid rapid increase in media EC as this indicates the plants need for nutrition is waning
• High EC at finish can result in root damage, reduced shelf life and possible Pythium
• Can be held cool but will reduce whiteness; pay attention to the humidity and avoid dew point to prevent Botrytis