Christmas Chorus

CULTURE THAT WORKS

propagation

• Roots rapidly; plant from a liner at 22-24 days.
• Apply rooting hormone at the base of cutting.
• Start feed program at day 7.
• Medium-vigor variety; may require low levels of PGR application in propagation. Spray 500 ppm Chlormequat at day 18-20. 
• Plant into the finished container when well rooted.
• Feed aggressively; failure to feed early enough will result in yellowing and hardening.

early finished growth

• Strong-branched varieties. Pinch early to avoid uneven branching: at day 14-16 from a liner; at day 24-26 for direct stick.
• Apply light PGR when branches are 1-1.5 in. (2.5-4 cm) using Chlormequat spray at 250-500 ppm to even out 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 moderate growth through mid-October, then slows somewhat as it approaches finish.
• Northern Climate: Apply Chlormequat spray at 750-1,000 ppm.
• Southern Climate: Higher rates of Chlormequat – up to 1,200 ppm as a spray – can be used. Later applications of Chlormequat spray at 500-750 ppm should end by October 10.  
• Micro Paclobutrazol drenches can be used beginning in early October.

late growing stages

• Very strong root system requires continuous feed until finished.
• Reduce feed levels if media EC increases too rapidly, 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. Pay attention to the humidity and avoid dew point to prevent Botrytis.
• Cool down temperatures to avoid color fade in the red.
• If holding in the greenhouse past initial ripening, apply a Paclobutrazol spray of 5-10 ppm precisely at first pollen to help retain cyathia and reduce fade. Perform this application only at full color; no more bract expansion will occur thereafter.