Leucanthemum

Culture Sheet

Growing Temperature:

Rooting out: 65-72° F
Growing: 55-60° F

Holding Temperature:

40-50° F outdoors

Soil PH:

5.8-6.2

EC (What is EC?):

2.0-3.0 pour through method

Fertility:

Leucanthemum are moderate feeders. Apply a liquid feed program at a rate of 50-100 ppm nitrate or a controlled release fertilizer at a rate equivalent to 1-1.5 pounds of nitrogen per yard of growing medium.

Vernalization:

Provide 6-9 weeks of cold temperatures to ensure consistent flowering.

Pests & Diseases:

Aphids are the main insect pest; but whitefly, thrip, spider mite and four lined plant bug can also be problematic. Scout for gall and rogue out any infected plants.

Potting & Timing:

Start plants under cooler temperatures to encourage rooting. Small plugs are best planted in late summer for spring sales.

Moisture:

Maintain moderate moisture levels. Avoid overwatering, but plants grown too dry will often develop necrotic edges, be shorter and will have delayed flowering and fewer flowers.

Planting Level:

Place top of plug level with or just below the soil surface.

PGRs/Pinching:

If liners are becoming reproductive too quickly, pinch out the central flower stem/bud to encourage additional branching. Sumagic (Uniconazole) at 5 ppm or Daminozide (B-Nine/Dazide) at 2500 ppm are effective as sprays. To control flower stem height, begin applications when flower stems first begin to elongate.

Lighting:

Requires long days (16+ hours) for flowering.

Other Comments:

Cold vernalization adds to bud count, but warmer temperatures are needed to elongate flower stems.