Suntory_Spring Production Guide

V ERSATILE, fast-grow- ing Summer Splash niermebergias are easy to care for and have many uses in the garden. They produce large and abun- dant flowers on dense foli- age, perfect for patio pots, rock gardens and hanging baskets. In the landscape, Summer Splash thrives in full sun or partial shade, is very heat tolerant and blooms continuously from April through November. Flowers are almost paper looking in appearance, with a clear cup shape with very fine foliage. Tips for Producing Summer Splash Nierembergias

General Culture Summer Splash nierembergias are available in Light Blue and White. These varieties have a neat, mounding patio type habit. They reach a height of 10 to 15 inches with a spread of up to 24 inches. Nierembergias are typically a long-day plant. Rooted liners should be potted as soon as possible into 4- and 6-inch pots. Use a well-drained peat/perlite mix and keep pH between 5.5 and 6.0. Crop temperatures at this stage should be 65- 70˚F during the day and 60-65˚F at night. Do not overwater. Plants perform best when they are kept slightly dry, but avoid wilting.

Allan Says: Oh my, I can’t say enough good

The crop may require pinching to encourage the right habit and breaks to get a bushy and mounding habit. Pinching encourages branching. Chemical controls are not really nec- essary. Generally, one liner per 4-inch pot is recommended and a 6-inch pot will require two liners. Three liners are recommended for a 10-inch basket. Crop Timing • 4-inch pots – six to eight weeks with one liner and two to three pinches • 6-inch pots – nine to 12 weeks with two liners and two to three pinches • 10-inch baskets – 14 to 16 weeks with three liners and four pinches Pests & Diseases Key pests to monitor are thrips, mites and whiteflies. Powdery Mildew is the primary disease concern.

things about these cup flowers. Brilliant

colors, persistent in the ground (perennials for us) and long flowering time, they are simply winners. – Dr. Allan Armitage

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Suntory Spring Production Guide

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