CULTURE THAT WORKS
propagation
• Roots rapidly; plant from liner at 22-24 days; apply rooting hormone to base of cutting
• Uses feed aggressively; start feed program around day 7; failure to feed early enough will result in yellowing
• High vigor level; may require modest levels of PGR application in propagation; 500-750 ppm Cycocel spray at day 18-20
• Plant from liners to finished container when well rooted, prevents stretch
early finished growth
• 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 branches are 1-1.5 in. (2.5-4 cm) using Cycocel spray at 750 ppm; recommended to even out the branches
• Prevention strategies for Pythium and Rhizoctonia are recommended shortly after planting into finished containers
growing on
• Grows steadily once the branches develop and exhibits strong growth through mid-October, then slows down somewhat as they approach finish
• Northern Climate: PGR limited to Cycocel spray at 750-1,000 ppm
• Southern Climate: Can use Cycocel spray up to 1,200 ppm;
use 1-2 spray applications of B-Nine (1,000 ppm)/Cycocel (750 ppm) before September 20
• Later PGR applications: Cycocel spray 500-750 ppm, end October 10
• Micro Bonzi drenches can begin in early October
late growing stages
• Requires continuous feed until finish; watch media EC and reduce feed levels to avoid rapid increase in media EC, this indicates 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; avoid dew point to prevent Botrytis
• Bonzi spray application of 5-10 ppm at first pollen recommended at full color, helps retain cyathia and reduce fade