Container:
Trade 1 Gallon Container
When to Plant:
Late winter to spring
Finish:
7-9 weeks
Grower Tips:
Vernalized plants will flower in as little as 6 weeks at 60 - 65° F.
Growing Temperature:
55-65° F
Holding Temperature:
40-50° F
Soil PH:
6.0-6.5
EC (What is EC?):
1.5-2.5 pour through method
Fertility:
Feed at moderate rates of 100 - 125 ppm N at each watering.
For Controlled Release or Slow Release Fertilizer, see your preferred supplier for recommended rates for incorporation or top dressing, as it varies by fertilizer.
Vernalization:
Cold-treated plants will flower slightly faster than plants which did not receive vernalization and are often used for producing small container sizes. Provide 8-10 weeks of temperatures below 45° F.
Pests & Diseases:
Aphids, slugs, two spotted spider mites and whiteflies are the primary pests.
Botrytis, crown/root rots (Pythium and Rhizoctonia) and powdery mildew are the most common diseases seen on scabiosa. SIt is beneficial to apply preventative fungicide drenches for controlling crown and root rots after transplanting and again prior to overwintering.
Potting & Timing:
Vernalized plugs can be planting in late winter to spring.
Moisture:
Water thoroughly when needed and allow to dry slighly between irrigation cycles.
Planting Level:
Do not plant deep. Top of plug should be even with the soil line.
PGRs/Pinching:
2,500 ppm daminozide (B-Nine/Dazide), 5 ppm uniconazole (Concise/Sumagic) or 30 ppm paclobutrazol (Bonzi, Paczol, or Piccolo). One or two applications of PGRs applied seven to 10 days apart should provide adequate height control. Apply when flower stalks begin to elongate or if the basal growth is stretched.
Growth regulator rates are suggestions but may vary due to time of year, region and water quality. Trialing is always recommended before applying to an entire crop.
Lighting:
Provide high light levels.