2025 Vegetative Annuals | AMS | Culture Guides

All Culture Guides for 2025 Vegetative Annuals introductions.

iCandy ™ Vanilla Cream

BEGONIA

Propagation of Unrooted Cuttings

Root emergence: 10–12 days Rooting hormone: Not recommended

Begonia iCandy ™ Culture Guide Begonia x hybrida Product form: Vegetative Containers: Quarts, Gallons, Hanging Baskets Habit: Mounded Garden Specifications Garden height: 10–14” (25–35 cm) tall Garden width: 10–14” (25–35 cm) wide Exposure: Part Sun USDA zone: 9–11 AHS zone: 1–10 Product use: Containers, Hanging Baskets, Patio Pots, Combos

Bottom heat temperature: 72–75 °F (22–24 °C) for the first three weeks. After roots are well developed, temperatures can be lowered to hold and tone the cuttings. Misting: Mist schedules vary depending on light and temperature conditions. Apply just enough moisture to rehydrate the cuttings and keep them from wilting. Cuttings should be hydrated and in a non-wilted stage within 24 hours after sticking. Cuttings that continue to wilt heavily after 24 hours will callus unevenly and will be delayed in rooting. CapSil ® (spray adjuvant) can be sprayed on the cuttings at a rate of 2–4 oz/100 gal within 1–2 days after sticking to help in rehydration of the cuttings. Misting should be significantly reduced after 3–4 days and after cuttings become fully hydrated. Applying too much mist early on can lead to foliar disease and tissue breakdown. Recommended tray size: 72-cell Propagation timing: 6 weeks for a 72-cell tray; add more rooting time for significantly larger cell sizes. Temperature Day: 72–74 °F (22–23 °C) Night: 72–74 °F (22–23 °C) Lighting Day extension lighting: Necessary to 14 hours to prevent tuberization and premature flowering, which retards further growth and development. Light intensity: 200–250 µmol·m -2 ·s -1 for the first two weeks after sticking or until root development occurs. Light levels can be increased up to 600 µmol·m -2 ·s -1 as rooting increases and the cutting matures. Day length response: Facultative short day Daily light integral (DLI): 4–6 mol·m -2 ·d -1 for the first two weeks after sticking or until root development occurs. DLI can be increased to greater than 12 mol·m -2 ·d -1 after root formation. Media pH: 5.6–6.0 Media EC: SME EC: 0.9–1.3 mS/cm, Press/Squeeze Method EC: 1.4–2.0 mS/cm Fertilizer: Begin fertilization at 50 ppm nitrogen when roots become visible. Rates can be increased up to 100 ppm nitrogen after roots become well developed. Use primarily Cal-Mag ® Plus (calcium nitrate + magnesium nitrate) fertilizers in propagation to prevent unwanted stretch. Pinching: Recommended Plant growth regulators (PGRs): Spray Altercel ™ plant growth regulator at 500– 1,000 ppm (Chlormequat chloride).

iCandy ™ Inferno

Finishing

Scheduling

PLANTS PER POT

SIZE

CROP TIME

Temperature Day: 72–74 °F (22–23 °C) Night: 72–74 °F (22–23 °C) Average daily temperature: 73 °F (22.5 °C) Lighting Day extension lighting: Beneficial to 14 hours

1.0 quart (4.5 to 5 inch)

6–8 weeks

1 ppp

1.25 to 2.5 quart (5.5 to 6.5 inch, trade gallon) 3.0 quart to 2.0 gallon (7.5 to 10 inch) 1.5 gallon hanging basket (10 inch basket)

8–10 weeks

2–3 ppp

8–10 weeks

3–4 ppp

Light intensity: 1,200–1,600 µmol·m -2 ·s -1 Day length response: Facultative short day Daily light integral (DLI): 16–18 mol·m -2 ·d -1 Transplanting: Transplant liners on time. Liners that are held too long can become non-branching (blind) due to stress.

8–10 weeks

3–4 ppp

Estimated finish crop time is from transplant of a 72-cell tray and finished at an average daily temperature (ADT) of 73 °F (22.5 °C).

Example crop schedule for a 2.5 quart

IMPORTANT: When planting, place liners with the leaf tips pointing towards to the outside of the container for best plant growth and flower presentation.

WEEKS FROM TRANSPLANT

DESCRIPTION

Provide ADT of 73 °F and DLI levels above 14 mol·m -2 ·d -1 . Soft pinch if not done in the liner stage Apply a spray of copper-based fungicide for prevention of bacterial diseases. Scout for insect pests and spray as needed throughout crop cycle. Apply a spray of Altercel ™ at 500–1,000 ppm if needed for growth control. Apply a broad-spectrum fungicide drench to prevent late-season basal stem and root rot diseases.

1 week

Media pH: 5.8–6.2 Media EC: SME EC: 1.5–2.1 mS/cm, PourThru EC: 2.3–3.2 mS/cm Fertilizer: 200–250 ppm N Pinching: Yes, 1 soft pinch is recommend either in propagation or 7–10 days after transplant. Plant growth regulators (PGRs): PGRs are not usually required. However, if needed iCandy Begonias during finishing respond well to sprays of Altercel ™ at 5,00–1,000 ppm, or sprays of A-Rest ® at 5 ppm. Tech tip: Day extension lighting to 14 hours is recommended for the first weeks of finished production to bulk plant size. Lighting should be discontinued at least four weeks prior to shipping flowering plants. Begonias are a preferred host for broad mites. Take extra care in scouting this crop. Most hand lenses are not powerful enough to see broad mites; 100x magnification is needed to see this pest. Use a preventative spray rotation of miticides that includes translaminar products. If an infestation occurs, we recommend two applications of Avid ® 7 days apart followed by an application of a miticide with a different mode of action than Avid ® such as Savate ® , Floramite SC ® , or Pylon ® .

2 weeks

3 weeks

4 weeks

6 weeks

8 weeks

Finish

iCandy ™ Sunset

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 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: Thrips, broad mites Common diseases: Botrytis , Tospovirus , Xanthomonas

All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission. These materials are being distributed to you for information purposes only and for your private use. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information and formulas, no guarantee is given or responsibility taken by Syngenta for the accuracy of the materials or the applicability to your particular circumstances. Reliance upon this information is at user’s sole risk and Syngenta expressly disclaims any and all liability in connection with this advice. © 2024 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your local Extension Service to ensure registration status. Some or all of the varieties may be protected under one or more of the following: Plant Variety Protection, United States Plant Patents and/or Utility Patents and may not be propagated or reproduced without authorization. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Fun House ™ Black Widow

Petunia Fun House ™ Culture Guide Petunia x hybrida Product form: Vegetative Containers: Quarts, Gallons, Hanging Baskets Habit: Mounding Garden Specifications Garden height: 10–14” (25–35 cm) tall Garden width: 18–22” (46–56 cm) wide Exposure: Full sun USDA zone: 9–11 AHS zone: 11–2 Product use: Containers, Hanging Baskets, Landscapes, Patio Pots, Combos Propagation of Unrooted Cuttings Root emergence: 6–8 days Rooting hormone: Not recommended

Bottom heat temperature: 70-74 °F (21-23 °C) for the first three weeks. After roots are well developed, temperatures can be lowered to hold and tone the cuttings. Misting: Mist schedules vary depending on light and temperature conditions. Apply just enough moisture to rehydrate the cuttings and keep them from wilting. Cuttings should be hydrated and in a non-wilted stage within 24 hours after sticking. Cuttings that continue to wilt heavily after 24 hours will callus unevenly and will be delayed in rooting. CapSil ® (spray adjuvant) can be sprayed on the cuttings at a rate of 2–4 oz/100 gal within 1–2 days after sticking to help in rehydration of the cuttings. Misting should be significantly reduced after 2-3 days and after cuttings become fully hydrated. Petunias are particularly sensitive to over- misting. Petunias root quickly and applying too much mist can lead to chlorotic and deformed foliage and growing tips. Recommended tray size: 30 mm (105-cell tray) or larger Propagation timing: 3–3.5 weeks for a 105-cell tray; add more rooting time for significantly larger cell sizes. Temperature

Day: 72–74 °F (22–23 °C) Night: 72–74 °F (22–23 °C) Average daily temperature: 72–74 °F (22–23 °C) Lighting Day extension lighting: Not necessary

Light intensity: 200–240 µmol·m -2 ·s -1 for the first two weeks after sticking or until root development occurs. Light levels can be increased up to 600 µmol·m -2 ·s -1 as

rooting increases and the cutting matures. Day length response: Facultative long day

Daily light integral (DLI): 4–6 mol·m -2 ·d -1 for the first two weeks after sticking or until root development occurs. DLI can be increased to greater than 12 mol·m -2 ·d -1 after root formation. Media pH: 5.6–6.0 Media EC: SME EC: 0.9–1.3 mS/cm, Press/Squeeze Method EC: 1.4–2.0 mS/cm Fertilizer: Begin fertilization at 100 ppm nitrogen when roots become visible. Rates can be increased up to 200 ppm nitrogen after roots become well developed. Use primarily Cal-Mag ® Plus (calcium nitrate + magnesium nitrate) fertilizers in propagation to prevent unwanted stretch. Supplemental feeding with additional iron (i.e., iron chelate) will help prevent iron deficiency and leaf tip chlorosis. Pinching: Not recommended Plant growth regulators (PGRs): Fun House ™ petunias have good vigor and generally will need chemical growth regulation in propagation. To control growth after rooting, sprays of B-Nine ® WSG (2,500–3,500 ppm) are effective. A tank-mix spray of Florel ® (350 ppm) + B-Nine ® WSG (2,500 ppm) can also be used to control growth and improve branching. Do not spray Florel ® on stressed or weak cuttings. For all sprays listed above, the mist should be off for a minimum of one hour for the PGR to absorb into the leaf tissue.

Fun House ™ Papaya

Finishing

Scheduling

Temperature Day: 70–72 °F (21–22 °C) Night: 62–64 °F (17–18 °C) Average daily temperature: 66–68 °F (19–20 °C) Lighting Day extension lighting: Beneficial to 14 hours Light intensity: 800–1,200 µmol·m -2 ·s -1

SIZE

CROP TIME PLANTS PER POT

1.0 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) 3.0 quart to 2.0 gallon (7.5 to 10 inch) 1.5 gallon hanging basket (10 inch basket) 2.0 gallon hanging basket (12 inch basket) 3.0 gallon hanging basket (14 inch basket)

7–9 weeks

1 ppp

8–9 weeks

2–3 ppp

9–10 weeks 3 ppp

Day length response: Facultative long day Daily light integral (DLI): 16–18 mol·m -2 ·d -1

9–10 weeks 4 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 liner is situated in the center of the pot. Media pH: 5.5–5.9 Media EC: SME EC: 2.3–2.8 mS/cm, PourThru EC: 3.5–4.2 mS/cm Fertilizer: 200–250 ppm N Pinching: Yes, 1 pinch is recommended 7-10 days after transplant. A second pinch can be given to plants grown in large baskets and containers. This second pinch can occur shortly before a final Bonzi ® drench. Use proper sanitation when pinching or shearing petunia. Petunia and other solanaceous crops are highly susceptible to the Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), which can be easily transmitted by mechanical means. Plant growth regulators (PGRs): Fun House ™ petunias have good vigor and will generally need chemical growth regulation. Sprays of B-Nine ® WSG (2,500-5,000 ppm) or Sumagic ® (20-30 ppm) can be used to control growth. A tank-mix spray of Florel ® (350-500 ppm) + B-Nine ® WSG (2,500 ppm) can also be used to control growth and improve branching early in production. A Bonzi ® drench (2-4 ppm) can be given 3–4 weeks before finishing and results in toned, high-quality plants. Tech tip: Keep media pH in the mid 5’s to avoid iron deficiency and tip chlorosis. Temperatures can be lowered three weeks after planting and especially towards the end of production to tone or hold the plant. High DLIs and cool finishing temperatures produce high-quality petunias.

9–10 weeks 5 ppp

Estimated finish crop time is from transplant of a 105-cell tray and finished at the recommended average daily temperature of 68 °F (20 °C).

Example crop schedule for a 1.5 gallon hanging basket

WEEKS FROM TRANSPLANT

DESCRIPTION

Provide average daily temperatures of 68 °F (20 °C) and DLI levels above 15 mol·m -2 ·d -1 . Pinch plants when they are rooted into the pot. Apply a tank-mix spray of Florel ® (350 ppm) + B-Nine ® WSG (2,500 ppm) to control growth and improve branching. Evaluate plants and apply a Bonzi ® drench at 2–4 ppm to maintain compact, controlled growth. Drop temperature if needed to help control growth.

1 week

2 weeks

5 weeks

9 weeks

Finish

Try Chrysal Alesco ® , a postharvest foliar spray, to protect ethylene sensitive crops during shipping and retail.

Fun House ™ Amethyst Sunshine

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. Common pests: Aphids, thrips, budworms, leafminers, whiteflies Common diseases: Botrytis , powdery mildew, viruses (TMV, TSWV)

Fanatix ™ Pink

Scaevola Fanatix ™ Culture Guide Scaevola aemula Product form: Vegetative Containers: Pints, Quarts, Gallons Habit: Trailing/Spreading Garden Specifications Garden height: 8–12” (20–30 cm) tall Garden width: 18–22” (45–55 cm) wide Exposure: Full Sun USDA zone: 10–11 AHS zone: 11–3 Product use: Containers, Hanging Baskets, Landscapes, Patio Pots, Combos

Propagation of Unrooted Cuttings

Root emergence: 10–12 days Rooting hormone: Recommended. A 0.1% (1,000 ppm) IBA concentration using either powder or liquid formulations can be applied to the lower portion of the cutting stem. Be careful not to coat the leaves or entire cutting as excess application can cause burning and damage to the cutting. Another option is to apply an overhead heavy spray to the cuttings (penetrating the rooting media) using water-soluble K-IBA at 250–300 ppm 24–48 hours after sticking. Do not use overhead applications of alcohol-based IBA solutions (ex. Dip ‘n Grow ® ). Bottom heat temperature: 72–74 °F (22–23 °C) for the first three weeks. After roots are well developed, temperatures can be lowered to hold and tone the cuttings. Misting: Mist schedules vary depending on light and temperature conditions. Apply just enough moisture to rehydrate the cuttings and keep them from wilting. Cuttings should be hydrated and in a non-wilted stage within 24 hours after sticking. Cuttings that continue to wilt heavily after 24 hours will callus unevenly and will be delayed in rooting. CapSil ® (spray adjuvant) can be sprayed on the cuttings at a rate of 2–4 oz/100 gal within 1–2 days after sticking to help in rehydration of the cuttings. Misting should be significantly reduced after 2–3 days and after cuttings become fully hydrated. Recommended tray size: 105-cell (30 mm) or larger Propagation timing: 4.5–5 weeks for a 105-cell tray; add more rooting time for significantly larger cell sizes. Temperature

Day: 72–74 °F (22–23 °C) Night: 72–74 °F (22–23 °C) Lighting Day extension lighting: Not necessary

Fanatix ™ Dark Blue

Light intensity: 200–250 µmol·m -2 ·s -1 (1,000–1,200 foot candles) for the first two weeks after sticking or until root development occurs. Light levels can be increased up to 600 µmol·m -2 ·s -1 (3,000 foot candles) as rooting increases and the cutting matures. Day length response: Day neutral Daily light integral (DLI): 4–6 mol·m -2 ·d -1 for the first two weeks after sticking or until root development occurs. DLI can be increased to greater than 12 mol·m -2 ·d -1 after root formation. Media pH: 5.6–6.0 Media EC: SME EC: 0.9–1.3 mS/cm, PourThru EC: 1.4–2.0 mS/cm Fertilizer: Begin fertilization at 100 ppm nitrogen when roots become visible. Rates can be increased up to 200 ppm nitrogen after roots become well developed. Use primarily Cal-Mag ® (calcium nitrate + magnesium nitrate) fertilizers in propagation to prevent unwanted stretch.

Pinching: Recommended Plant growth regulators (PGRs): To control growth after rooting, sprays of B-Nine ® WSG (1,500–2,500 ppm) are usually sufficient. A tank-mix spray of Florel ® (350–500 ppm) + B-Nine ® WSG (1,500 ppm) can also be used to control growth and improve branching. Do not spray Florel ® on stressed or weak cuttings. For all sprays listed above, the mist should be off for a minimum of one hour for the PGR to absorb into the leaf tissue.

trays are heavy with a visible bend in the middle. Common pests: Thrips, Whiteflies, Spider mites Common diseases: Pythium , Phytophthora , Rhizoctonia

Finishing

Scheduling

Temperature Day: 76–78 °F (24–26 °C) Night: 70–72 °F (21–22 °C) Average daily temperature: 73–75 °F (23–24 °C) Lighting Day extension lighting: Not necessary Light intensity: 800–1,200 µmol·m -2 ·s -1 (4,000–6,000 foot candles) Day length response: Day neutral Daily light integral (DLI): 16–18 mol·m -2 ·d -1 Transplanting: Transplant directly into the finished container. Place the rooting media slightly above 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: 1.5–2.1 mS/cm, PourThru EC: 2.3–3.2 mS/cm Fertilizer: 200–250 ppm N Pinching: Yes, 1 pinch is recommended 7–10 days after transplant if not previously done in propagation. (If pinching was done in propagation, then no additional pinching is needed.) Plant growth regulators (PGRs): Fanatix ™ Scaevola has moderate vigor and will generally need chemical growth regulation. To control growth after rooting, sprays of B-Nine ® WSG (1,500–2,500 ppm), Sumagic ® (5–10 ppm), or Bonzi ® (10–15 ppm) can be used. Avoid these sprays after flower formation or flower size can be reduced. Bonzi ® (0.5–1 ppm) drenches also work well to control growth and are useful for baskets, especially mid to late in the production cycle. Fanatix ™ Compact Blue has a more controlled growth habit and does not require the use of PGRs in finishing.

PLANTS PER POT

SIZE

CROP TIME

1.0 pint (4 inch)

6 weeks

1 ppp

1.0 quart (4.5 to 5 inch)

6–7 weeks

1 ppp

8–10 weeks

1 ppp

9–10 weeks

2–4 ppp

10–11 weeks

4 ppp

10–11 weeks

5 ppp

10–11 weeks

6 ppp

Estimated finish crop time is from transplant of a 105-cell tray and finished at the recommended average daily temperature of 73 °F (23 °C).

Example crop schedule for a 1.5 gallon hanging basket

WEEKS FROM TRANSPLANT

DESCRIPTION

Provide average daily temperatures of 73 °F (23 °C) or warmer and DLI levels above 15 mol·m -2 ·d -1 . Pinch plants when they are rooted into the pot if they have not already been pinched in propagation. Apply a spray of B-Nine ® WSG (1,500 ppm) to control growth. Apply a Bonzi ® (0.5 ppm) drench. Scout for thrips and treat if needed.

1 week

3 weeks

Try Chrysal Alesco ® , a postharvest foliar spray, to protect ethylene sensitive crops during shipping and retail.

6 weeks

10 weeks

Finish

Tech tip: Scaevola varieties can be slow to root during propagation. Don’t reduce mist too soon and continue to provide misting until all cuttings are rooted. Fanatix ™ Scaevola like high light and warm temperatures during finishing. Low temperatures, especially early on, can lead to root rot and dark purple foliage. Plants can be pinched twice for baskets and larger containers. Florel ® in finished production can significantly delay flowering and is not recommended. Late B-Nine ® WSG sprays can significantly reduce flower size.

All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission. © 2024 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your local Extension Service to ensure registration status. Some or all of the varieties may be protected under one or more of the following: Plant Variety Protection, United States Plant Patents and/or Utility Patents and may not be propagated or reproduced without authorization. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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