SEED
Tech tips: If plugs get too stretched during propagation, they can be planted up to the cotyledons along with a preventive fungicide drench to protect the stem. Off-types are common in hybrid seed breeding, for Sunfinity ® you may experience 2 – 3% of the crop exhibiting off-types. These can easily be culled in propagation approximately 3 weeks after sowing by looking for seedlings that are taller than the rest of the tray and lighter green in tone. Direct sowing Sunfinity ® is possible however we strongly caution doing this as there can be danger from rodents and other small animals eating the seeds.
Moisture level: Media should be allowed to dry between irrigations. Alternate between moisture level 3 and 4. 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. 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, spider mites, thrips, whiteflies, caterpillars Common diseases: Botrytis, Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Powdery mildew
Scheduling
Finishing Temperature
PLANTS PER POT
SIZE
CROP TIME
2.5 to 3.0 quart (6 to 8 inch, trade gallon)
7–8 weeks
1 ppp
Day: 70–75 °F (21–24 °C) Night: 65–68 °F (18–20 °C) Average daily temperature: 68–75 °F (20–24 °C) Lighting
1.5 to 2.5 gallon (10 to 12 inch)
7–8 weeks
1–2 ppp
3.0 gallon and larger (14 inch and larger)
7–8 weeks
2–3 ppp
Recommended day length: If Sunfinity ® plugs were propagated under long days (>14 hours) for 4 weeks, then finish photoperiod is not critical. If plugs were not propagated under long days then >14 hours or 4-hour night interruption is highly recommended to speed flowering. Light intensity: 700–900 µmol·m -2 ·s -1 Day length response: Facultative long day Daily light integral (DLI): 12–20 mol·m -2 ·d -1 Media pH: 5.5–6.0 Media EC: SME EC: 1.2–1.75 mS/cm; PourThru: 2.3-3.2 dS/cm Fertilizer: 150–200 ppm N Pinching: Required to improve branching and control vigor. After 5–6 nodes develop on the stem, pinch shoot tips leaving 4 nodes. The nodes of Sunfinity ® are opposite so a pinch to 4 nodes would leave 8 leaves. Do not pinch too early to avoid issues with uneven branching. This is a hard pinch — similar to how poinsettias are traditionally pinched. Plant growth regulators (PGRs): Sunfinity ® has critical points in it’s development where PGR application timing optimizes control which varies with the production season. Refer to the PGR guide on the following pages for more specific recommendations. Tech tip: Crop time is 2–4 weeks longer if starting with plugs propagated under short days versus long days. For earliest flowering, provide long days, high light levels, and warm temperature. Preventive fungicide applications for Powdery mildew are recommended, especially in high humidity environments. Palladium ® and Heritage ® fungicides have all been effective at suppressing pathogens. Plants grown outside can attract chewing insects. Preventive insecticides, such as Mainspring ® GNL and Flagship ® 25WG are effective. Avid ® 0.15 EC insecticide is also recommended for spider mite control when grown in warm, dry conditions. Avid ® 0.15 EC also has the added benefit of caterpillar and whitefly control.
Estimated finish crop time is from transplant of a 72-cell tray, propagated under longs days, and finished at an average daily temperature (ADT) of 68 °F (20 °C). Crop time is one week faster at an ADT of 73 °F (23 °C) versus 68 °F (20 °C).
Example crop schedule for a 2.5 quart WEEKS FROM TRANSPLANT DESCRIPTION
Provide ADT of 68 °F (20 °C) and DLI levels above 15 mol·m -2 ·d -1 . Pinch to 4 nodes to promote branching and control vigor. Evaluate crop for timing of first PGR application. Review PGR Guide on the following pages for specific recommendations for all treatments.
1 week
2 weeks
3 weeks
Apply preventive systemic fungicide and insecticides for maximum garden performance.
6 weeks
8 weeks
Finish
Sunfinity ® Yellow Dark Center
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.
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