Christmas Aurora™ Series
The varieties of Christmas Aurora are ideal for December poinsettia sales. An upright, narrow habit with a medium bract size is perfect for higher density production and dependable shipping, and their narrow shape makes them easy to sleeve. This reliable, predictable series works well in 6-in. (15-cm) pots. Plus, they are early to color — yet late to flower — providing an outstanding shelf life at retail and long-lasting enjoyment for consumers.
Plant Vigor: High
V-Shaped Habit: Narrow
Characteristics
-
Season:Mid Season
-
Foliage:Dark Green
-
Natural Flower (first pollen):Nov. 24-28
-
Response Time in weeks (first pollen):8.5
-
Vigor:high
-
Habit:narrow
-
Average Bract Size:large, pointed
-
Post Harvest:excellent
Finishing Recommendations
-
Energy Efficient:
-
Varieties are rated from most (
) to least (
) efficient. Contact us for guides.
-
Cool Finish (24 hrs avg.):63 F/17 C
-
Indicates minimum temperature starting two weeks after the beginning of short days. Please note that a crop grown cooler requires more time to finish (4 to 7 days), and will have smaller bracts and darker color (for example, white may turn cream-yellow). Toward the end of the crop (two weeks prior to shipping), slowly lower the temperature for green-leafed varieties to 65°F (18°C) day/night and dark green-leafed varieties to 63°F (17°C) day/night.
Space Efficient:
-
Varieties are rated from most () to least () efficient. Contact us for guides.
-
Recommended spacing for 6":13 x 13
Download Culture Details
GARY’S
NOTES
CULTURE THAT WORKS
propagation
- Roots rapidly; plant from liner at 19-21 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; will require PGR application in propagation; 500-750 ppm chlormequat chloride spray at day 15-20 and can be repeated if necessary.
- Plant from liners to finished container when well rooted to prevent 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 chlormequat chloride spray at 500-750 ppm; recommended to even out the branches.
- Branching occurs rapidly after pinch; PGR may be needed at 7 days.
- Very upright habit; can go to final spacing very early if needed; rings can be avoided, even in large pots.
growing on
- Grows aggressively when branches develop, with strong growth October into early November; slows as finish approaches in late November.
- Northern Climate: PGR limited to chlormequat chloride spray at 500-1,000 ppm.
- Southern Climate: Use 1-2 spray applications of daminozide (1,000 ppm)/chlormequat chloride (500 ppm) before September 20.
- Late PGR applications: chlormequat chloride spray 500-750 ppm, end October 15.
- Micro paclobutrazol drenches can begin in early October; overly aggressive PGR applications in October can result in smaller bracts.
late growing stages
- Feed continuously until finish; watch media EC and reduce feed levels to avoid rapid increase; indicates plants' need for nutrition is waning.
- High EC at finish can result in root damage, reduced shelf life and possible Pythium.
- Finishes naturally in late November to early December; can be held cool to target week 50-51 sales; avoid dew point to prevent Botrytis.