SOLUTION STARTER
CULTURAL CONDITIONS, FERTILIZATION, & IRRIGATION
EXPOSURE Hellebores prefer consistently cool root zones and perform best when protected from direct sun. Preventing sunlight from striking the pots is essential—keep containers spaced tightly so the foliage can naturally shade the pot surface. During warm months, provide additional protection with 30–35% shade cloth. If overwintering under cover, use white poly rather than clear to reduce light intensity and prevent leaf burn on bright winter days.
TEMPERATURE Ideal fall temperatures for Hellebores range from 40–50°F, which promotes strong flower initiation. Depending on region, this occurs between September and December. During winter, maintain plants in a frost-free greenhouse at 32–40°F. Plants will bloom naturally when frost is absent; prolonged frost delays flowering. In summer, apply 30–35% shade when temperatures exceed 80°F to help maintain plant quality.
FERTILIZATION & NUTRITION The key to producing high-quality Hellebores is to keep plants actively growing throughout the year—fertility should never be interrupted. Maintain a steady feed with a substrate EC of 1.2–1.5, measured directly in the soil. For spring-planted crops, an 8–9 month controlled-release fertilizer is recommended. In fall, when flower initiation begins, plants require additional nitrogen (N) and iron (Fe). Provide these with a liquid feed while continuing to hold EC at 1.2–1.5. Maintain a 1:3 phosphorus-to-potassium ratio for optimal shoot and flower development.
SOIL FERTILITY GUIDELINES pH: 5.5 EC: 1.2–1.5
Macro-elements
PPM MMOL
Micro-elements
PPB UMOL/L
NH4
<1.9
<0.1
Fe
558
10
K
47
1.2
Mn
110
2.0
Na Ca Mg
<58
<2.5
Zn
131
2
40
1.0
B
108
10
7.3
0.3
Cu
44
0.7
NO3
155
2.5
Mo
<9.6
<0.1
Cl
<89
<2.5
S
58
0.6
HCO3
<6.2
<0.1
P
15
0.5
K/Ca
1:2
1:2
Note:These values serve as guidelines, not fixed targets.
IRRIGATION Proper irrigation is essential to avoid stress. Drip irrigation provides the best consistency, but overhead irrigation with fertilizer can also be used.Avoid irrigating during the hottest part of the day—leaf temperatures can reach 105°F while water temperatures often sit near 75°F.This sharp difference causes temperature shock and plant stress, increasing susceptibility to Pythium, Rhizoctonia, and Phytophthora.When using overhead irrigation in warm conditions, water only in early morning or late evening.
2026 Hellebore Program / Pacific Plug & Liner
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