CULTURE THAT WORKS
propagation
• Roots rapidly; plant from liner at 22-24 days
• Apply rooting hormone to the base of cutting
• Start feed program around day 7
• More moderate vigor level 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
• Branches aggressively, very early and will branch based on leaf maturity, not just pinch
• Failure to feed early enough will result in yellowing and hardening of liner; some early feeding in propagation is recommended
early finished growth
• Strong-branched variety must be pinched early: at day 12-14 from a liner; at day 22-24 for direct-stick
• Failure to pinch early will result in uneven branching; important to pinch leaving only as many leaves as you need branches; will produce a branch at every node
• Apply light PGR when branches are 1-1.5 in. (2.5-4 cm) using Cycocel spray at 500 ppm or 750 ppm; recommended to even out the branches
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
• Avoid late applications of PGR as they can affect the whiteness and size of the bract
late growing stages
• 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