TECHNICAL GROWING INFORMATION
Use a well-drained substrate composed primarily of white peat—Canadian or Baltic —with no more than 20% high-quality black peat. Excess black peat shrinks during the crop cycle, reducing aeration and drainage. Hellebores prefer a slightly acidic medium; target a pH of 5.5. Maintain a 1:3 phosphorus-to-potassium ratio to support strong shoot and flower development.
MEDIA
Proper flower development requires cool winter conditions. Maintain temperatures between 32–45°F to ensure consistent vernalization and reliable bud formation.
VERNALIZATION
Whether planting in spring or fall, pot as early in the season as possible to capture the periods of active growth.Timely planting is especially important in spring, as Hellebores grow only during cooler temperatures—delayed potting can reduce finish size and lower bud count. For growers who prefer a shorter production cycle or wish to avoid over-summering, fall planting is highly recommended , often cutting crop time in half.
Recommended Planting Windows & Approximate Crop Time
PLANTING
LINER SIZE PLANTING DATES
CROP TIME 2.5 QT-1 GALLON
72 Cell
Weeks 5-15 (Once chance of frost has passed) 40-52 weeks
32 Cell
Weeks 35-40 (Once temps start to cool)
18-26 weeks
Fill pots completely to the rim—leaving a gap increases pot-side heat and can damage roots. When transplanting liners, plant slightly deeper than the soil surface to support stronger flower bud development.
Frostkiss® varieties are bred for production efficiency and can be kept tight for most of the crop cycle.Their upright habit prevents stretching and allows close spacing without compromising quality.Tight spacing also shades the pot surface, keeping roots cool and promoting larger plants and higher bud counts. Once flowering begins in spring, space plants to approximately 12 one-gallon pots per m² to allow flowers room to develop fully.
SPACING
Hellebores should never be pinched. Each leaf contributes to flower bud formation; removing foliage reduces bud count and overall finish quality. Damaged leaves may be removed prior to shipping.
PINCHING & HEIGHT CONTROL
PGRs are not required and not recommended for Hellebore production.
Monitor for aphids and spider mites , the most common pests observed in Hellebore production. Hellebores are generally resilient, with few disease issues.The primary concern is Botrytis on flowers. Minimize risk by maintaining good airflow and keeping plants dry, especially during cool, humid periods.
INSECTS & DISEASE
Frostkiss ® Hellebores can bloom for up to 2.5 months , allowing for flexible shipping schedules rather than pushing all product out at once.At retail, keep plants in shaded, cool locations to preserve flower quality, and water as needed to prevent stress and fading.
POST PRODUCTION/ GARDEN CENTER CARE
2026 Hellebore Program / Pacific Plug & Liner
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