Tips for Producing Summer Wave Torenias
S ummer Wave was the first vegetatively propagated to- renia series, thriving in summer heat when seed varieties would wilt. With a lush, trailing habit and vigorous growth, Summer Waves are perfect for shady beds or hanging bas- kets. Self-cleaning and well-branching, they require very little maintenance. While the trailing series has five colors in shades of blue and purple, including the distinctive Large Silver, the Summer Wave Bouquet series is capturing attention for early flowering, unique colors, high flower count and compact habit. In addition to Blue and Deep Blue, colors include Gold, Cream Yellow, White and Deep Rose. These compact plants still have the same Summer Wave garden vigor.
Allan Says: Torenias are necessary plants to fill out a container and basket program. The
selection of colors of the
Summer Waves and their performance under challenging
conditions has allowed me to recommend them whenever I speak.
General Culture Torenias are day neutral but tend to flower more rapidly under warm tem- peratures and the long days of spring. Rooted cuttings should be potted up as soon as possible, ideally in 4-inch pots. Use a well-drained peat/perlite mix with a pH of 6.0-6.5. Keep light levels moderate to low. Maintain moderately moist soil and water with a constant feed of 200 ppm water- soluble fertilizer. Keep temperatures at 70-75˚F during the day and 60˚F at night. Plant Growth Regulators Plants respond well to B-Nine (dami-
nozide) sprays at 1,500-2,500 ppm 15-20 days after sticking cuttings. Or spray with Sumagic, 10-15 ppm, as needed. Crop Timing • 4-inch pots – four to six weeks with one liner and two pinches • 6-inch pots – six to eight weeks with one liner and three pinches • 10-inch baskets – 10-12 weeks with three liners and no pinching Pests & Diseases Monitor for mites and aphids. Prevent Botrytis on finished flowers and foliage.
– Dr. Allan Armitage
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Suntory Spring Production Guide
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