Tips for Producing Lofos Lophospermums
O riginating from the Mexican mountains, lophsopermum is a genus of eight species and is deciduous and evergreen – perennial climbers and shrubs from the slopes of North and Central America. Foliage is generally triangular and plants produce tubular to funnel-shaped flowers in shades of white and purple. Lofos is grown as an annual and is well suited to planting spectacular hanging baskets and window boxes or guided up trellises. This marvelous vine blooms early, continuing through most of the year until frost. Lofos is now available in two forms with the new Lofos Compact series. While the classic Wine Red and White trail to 7 feet, the new Compact White and Compact Rose have more flowers and reach a length of 2
feet. Lofos Compact is easier to manage and ship. Both forms make stunning presentations. Growers can produce Lofos in hanging baskets and pots ranging in size from 1 gallon to 5 gallons and command a premium for this unique, elegant item.
General Culture Rooted cuttings should be potted up as soon as pos- sible into 4- to 6-inch pots. Use a well-drained peat/ perlite mix and maintain soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5. After potting the liners, give plants a light watering. The crop is best kept on the dry side to aid root development. Keep plants slightly dry but avoid wilting. Temperatures for the crop at this stage should be 60-65˚F for the first two weeks. This temperature range will help roots develop. After two weeks, the crop will grow quickly and
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Suntory Spring Production Guide
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