Plant growth regulators (PGRs): Usually not needed. If necessary, spray with B-Nine ® WSG at 1,500-2,500 ppm to control stem elongation. Plug grow time: 3–4 weeks in a 288-cell tray Comments: French Marigolds are very easy to germinate on the bench. If seedlings get stretched, they can be planted deep at transplanting, and new roots will form along the stems. Do not hold too long in the plug tray or stress-induced flowering may occur, and plants will flower before bulking up to a satisfactory size.
Common pests: Spider Mites, Thrips, Leafminers, Aphids, Whiteflies Common diseases: Pythium, Botrytis, Bacterial leaf spot, Alternaria leaf spot t
Scheduling
SIZE
CROP TIME PLANTS PER POT
Packs
3–4 weeks 1 ppp 3–4 weeks 1 ppp
Large Packs
Finishing
1.0 pint ( 4 inch )
3–4 weeks 1 ppp
Temperature Day: 66–68 °F (19–20 °C) Night: 62–64 °F (17–18 °C) Average daily temperature: 64 °F (18 °C) Lighting Day extension lighting: Optional Light intensity: 4,000–6,000 foot candles (800–1,200 µmol·m -2 ·s -1 ) Day length response: Day neutral Daily light integral (DLI): 12–14 mol·m -2 ·d -1 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: 6.1–6.5 Media EC: SME EC: 1.5–2.1 mS/cm, PourThru EC: 2.3–3.2 mS/cm Fertilizer: 125–175 ppm N Pinching: No. Pinching is not recommended or needed. Plant growth regulators (PGRs): Since Cresta French Marigold is naturally compact, PGRs are not usually necessary. If needed, spray with B-Nine ® WSG at 2,500–5,000 ppm. An alternative PGR would be Bonzi ® sprays at 15–30 ppm or Sumagic ® sprays at 5–10 ppm. A Bonzi ® drench at 2–3 ppm can be applied to hold, especially in packs, at finish. Tech tip: To avoid iron and/or manganese toxicity, monitor and maintain media pH above 6.1. If plugs are stretched, plant them deep, up to the cotyledon, to prevent floppiness.
1.0 quart (4.5 to 5 inch)
5–6 weeks 1–2 ppp
1.25 to 2.5 quart (5.5 to 6.5 inch, trade gallon)
5–6 weeks 2–3 ppp
Estimated finish crop time is from transplant of a 288-cell tray and finished at an average daily temperature (ADT) of 64 °F (18 °C).
Example crop schedule for packs
WEEKS FROM TRANSPLANT
DESCRIPTION
2 weeks 3 weeks
Check media pH and adjust if under 6.1
Finish
Cresta ™ Mix
Try Chrysal Alesco ® , a postharvest foliar spray, to protect ethylene sensitive crops during shipping and retail.
Moisture level: Media should be allowed to dry between irrigations. Alternate between moisture level 2 and 4. 2 - MEDIUM: Soil is light brown in color, no water can be extracted from soil, and soil will crumble apart. 4 - WET: Soil is dark brown but not shiny, no free water is seen at the surface of the soil, when pressed or squeezed water drips easily, and trays are heavy with a visible bend in the middle.
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