TECHNICAL GROWING INFORMATION
MEDIA
A well-drained, coarse and open soil with a pH around 5.5
VERNALIZATION
Not needed, spring-summer planting is suggested for best results.
Summerinas can be planted directly outside once the chance of frost has passed. If planting before last chance of frost, start inside to keep them frost-free. Relocate plants as soon as the chance of frost has passed to keep plants compact, otherwise they can stretch. The first 3-4 weeks after potting, Summerinas are building a nice root system below and a compact rosette on the top. After this structure is built, they will start to elongate, so it is important to not have them inside during this phase. If there is a late chance of night frost and the plants are outside, place some winter cloth on the plants to protect them. Summerinas are fast growing plants and are bred to be genetically compact and well branched. However, if they are not spaced in time they can stretch.To prevent stretch, space plants as soon as the leaves start touching each other. Summerinas can be spaced directly after potting. Depending on the growth and the amount of fertilizers applied, you need about 9 pots per m² max for a 1 gallon pot.The end space for a 2 gallon pot is 4-5 pots per m². Because Summerinas are genetically compact and self-branching, pinching is not necessary and it is not recommended. Even for a 2 gallon or larger pot, pinching is not necessary.To delay flowering one can pinch, but one should only do so 4-5 weeks after planting and not later. Remove only the main shoot to give side shoots a better opportunity to develop. Generally, PGRs are not required, especially in the longer days of summer. If extra control is needed, apply B-9 spray or Bonzi drench sparingly. Otherwise, there is potential for stunting and flower delay. Summerinas are not prone to many diseases when grown in well-ventilated areas with high light. Fungal issues can be prevented by keeping plants well-spaced and foliage dry as plants go into the night. Summerinas will generally fill a pot so it is important to keep plants well-watered to prevent wilt. Keep in a sunny area, well-spaced and do not allow foliage to go into the night wet.
PLANTING
SPACING
PINCHING
HEIGHT CONTROL
DISEASE
POST PRODUCTION/ GARDEN CENTER CARE
GROWER TIPS
• Echibeckia are fast growing plants; finishing times range from just 8-14 weeks, depending on season and size. • Echibeckia can be grown in a variety of sizes. Larger sizes should be planted earlier in the season while days are short so the plant can fill the pot . • Echibeckia require high levels of fertilizer for optimal performance. We recommend starting with
4 KG Osmocote per m³. Use a 5-6 month Osmocote with
shaded, it is time to space. More light amounts to more flowers. • Echibeckia are not prone to disease. Diseases might arise, however, if they are subjected to poor growing climates such as too much moisture or too low light.
high Potassium (K).Add an extra amount of 200 gram Micromax trace element to the soil in addition to the normal starter mix. • Echibeckia do not need to be vernalized. Save space and time by planting in the spring. • Echibeckia need to be spaced in time to set a lot of side flowers. When part of the canopy is being
• Echibeckia have a long shelf life at retail.To prevent colors from fading, keep out of high shade areas.
202 4 Echibeckia Program / Pacific Plug & Liner
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