SEED FINISHING
FINISH PGRs
TECH TIPS
For small containers, such as 306 packs, a Bonzi ® drench at 0.25 ppm about half way through the finishing cycle will provide excellent control of leaf and plant size, but will reduce flower size about 10% temporarily. Bonzi ® sprays are not recommended since flower size reduction is significant. For gallons to 10” hanging baskets, sprays of B-Nine ® WSG at 2,500 ppm or B-Nine ® WSG/Cycocel ® tank mixes at 1,500 ppm B-Nine ® WSG/300 ppm Cycocel ® are effective in reducing leaf size and stem elongation and will not significantly reduce flower size. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are usually not required for containers larger than 10” hanging baskets. Plant growth can be best controlled through proper moisture, feed, and temperature management.
It is recommended to avoid high ammonium fertilizers since these fertilizers promote soft, leafy growth and may delay flowering.
FINISH PGRs
TECH TIPS
B-Nine ® WSG sprays at 2,500–3,500 ppm can be effective to prevent stretch under warmer conditions
Growing cool, on the dry side, and under high light will produce the best quality finished plants. Don not grow too cold though; Costa stops growing when temperatures drop below around 46 °F (8 °C). Avoid using high ammonium fertilizers because they promote soft, leafy growth. A preventative spray program for Powdery Mildew is recommended.
FINISH PGRs
TECH TIPS
B-Nine ® WSG at 2,500 ppm are effective at reducing stem length and leaf size.
If plugs are budded at transplant, provide 14-hour days for at least 4 weeks to promote bulking of the plants. Keeping soil moist will help prevent premature flowering.
FINISH PGRs
TECH TIPS
Recommended are three sprays of Bonzi ® at 25 ppm or B-Nine ® WSG at 5,000 ppm applied 7–10 days apart, beginning 2 weeks after transplant. B-Nine ® WSG may delay flowering by 4–7 days. A Bonzi ® drench at 2–4 ppm when the plant has reached the desired height will help prevent stretch at retail.
Cleome grows best in warm days and high light. They are also heavy feeders, so use a constant liquid feed program an ammonium-based fertilizer such as 21–5–20.
FINISH PGRs
TECH TIPS
Containers 1 pint and larger, plant growth regulators (PGRs) are usually not necessary. If needed for pack production, spray with B-Nine ® WSG at 2,500–5,000 ppm to help control plant height.
Cosmos flower faster under short days. For early spring production, do ensure that the plugs are grown under a 14-hour day length so finished plants will bulk properly.
FINISH PGRs
TECH TIPS
To control growth, apply one or two applications of Bonzi ® either as a spray at 20–40 ppm or as a drench at 0.5–1.0 ppm.
Cuphea is a facultative short day plant, so it will flower faster and stay more compact under short days. Plants can be finished cool at 50–62 °F (10–17 °C) if desired. If finished cool crop time will increase, but the plants will need less plant growth regulator (PGR) treatments.
FINISH PGRs
TECH TIPS
B-Nine ® WSG at 2,500-5,000 ppm if needed.
It is critical to provide at least 12 hours or ideally 14 hours of light to help prevent tuber formation and to promote bulking. Planting the plugs deep helps strengthen the main stem. Dahlias are sensitive to overwatering; allow the media to dry between irrigations.
FINISH PGRs
TECH TIPS
B-Nine ® WSG at 2,500-5,000 ppm if needed.
It is critical to provide at least 12 hours and ideally 14 hours of light to help prevent tuber formation and to promote bulking. Planting the plugs deep will help strengthen the main stem. Dahlias are sensitive to overwatering; allow the media to dry between irrigations.
G R O W E R S U C C E S S G U I D E 2 0 2 2 – 2 0 2 3 | A N N U A L S
23
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog