Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs): Brassicas will grow quickly in warmer conditions and can easily stretch during the plug stage. Sprays of B-Nine ® WSG (1,500–2,500 ppm) are effective, or a spray of Altercel ™ at 1500 ppm, especially in warmer temperatures, is also effective. Plug Grow Time: 3-4 weeks in a 288-cell tray Tech Tip: You can plant ornamental kale to the first true leaves or lower than the cotyledons if plugs are stretched.
Moisture level: Media should be allowed to dry between irrigations. Alternate between moisture level 2 and 3. 2 - MEDIUM: Soil is light brown in color, no water can be extracted . from soil, and soil will crumble apart. 3 - MOIST: Soil is brown in color, strongly squeezing the soil will extract a few drops of water, and trays are light with no visible bend. Common pests: Aphids, thrips, whiteflies, caterpillars, flea beetles Common diseases: Alternaria , Botrytis , black rot, club root, downy mildew, Fusarium Yellows, Rhizoctonia stem rot, Pythium , Phytophthora root rots
Finishing Temperature
Scheduling
Day: 64–66 °F (18–19 °C) Night: 54–56 °F (12–13 °C) Average daily temperature: 60 °F (16 °C) Lighting Day extension lighting: Not Necessary Light intensity: 400–800 µmol·m -2 ·s -1 Day length response: Day neutral Daily light integral (DLI): 12–14 mol·m -2 ·d -1
PLANTS PER POT
SIZE
CROP TIME
Large Packs
4–5 weeks
1 ppp
1 Pint (4 inch)
4–5 weeks
1 ppp
1 Quart (4.5 to 5 inch)
5–6 weeks
1 ppp
1.25 to 2.5 Quart (5.5 to 6.5 inch, trade gallon)
6–7 weeks
1 ppp
Transplanting: Transplant directly into the finished container. Place the rooting media slightly below the level of media in the container. Make sure that the root ball is covered and that the plug is situated in the center of the pot. Media pH: 5.8–6.2 Media EC: SME EC: 0.9–1.3 mS/cm, PourThru EC: 1.4–2.0 mS/cm Fertilizer: 125–175 ppm N Pinching: No. Pinching is not recommended or needed. Plant growth regulators (PGRs): B-Nine ® WSG foliar sprays at 2,500 to 5,000 ppm are recommended for height control. If using the lower rate, multiple B-Nine ® WSG applications may be required. Sumagic ® foliar sprays of 2 to 5 ppm may also be used. Bonzi ® drenches can be used to hold the crop at 1 ppm and repeated if warm temperatures persist. Tech Tip: Normal fertilization practices for floricultural crops at visible flower bud suggest that fertilization be discontinued or reduced significantly because plants require less nutrients for growth during flowering. When temperatures drop to less than 55 °F, tissue coloration in ornamental kale intensifies, but nutrient deficiencies and lower leaf loss can be observed if clear water is applied for coloration purposes. Maintain a continuous 150 ppm nitrogen concentration and rely on cool night temperatures for coloration. Flower bud development and visible pollen (bolting stage) with ornamental kale does not occur until after a vernalization period.
3 Quart to 2.0 Gallon (7.5 to 10 inch)
7–8 weeks
1 ppp
Estimated finish crop time is from transplant of a 288-cell tray with 1 seedling per cell and finished at an average daily temperature (ADT) of 60 °F (16 °C).
Example crop schedule for a 3 quart
WEEKS FROM TRANSPLANT
DESCRIPTION
1 week
Apply root and shoot fungicide protectants.
3 weeks
Apply a systemic insecticide.
Apply a foliar spray of B-Nine ® at 2,500 to 3,500 ppm. Induce coloration by exposing plants to 2–3 weeks of night temperatures 55 to 60 °F. Apply a foliar spray of Sumagic at 3 to 5 ppm, or to hold growth apply a Bonzi ® drench at 1 ppm.
4 weeks
5 weeks
7 weeks
8 weeks
Finish
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