10/26/2011
Flowers in 3D
Jim Kennedy
3D Osteospermum from Selecta is a whole new dimension of flower with tufted blooms of Silver, Pink and Purple that stay open 24/7. Their anemone-like centers offer interest and appeal, and the series has been a winner with the industry since its introduction at the 2011 Spring Trials. Growers are eager to know all the details of growing a top-quality crop. The good news is this “new dimension” doesn’t require any new culture; 3D grows just like standard osteos.
Rooting guidelines
The average propagation time for 3D is 4 to 5 weeks with no pinch required at rooting. The recommended cell size is 25/35 mm and a rooting hormone (IBA + NAA mix) is beneficial. Mist for an average of 9 to 12 days with an early PGR treatment recommended 7 to 10 days after sticking. For PGR sprays during rooting, use sprays only. Cycocel 750 to 1,000 ppm has demonstrated to be effective. Cover the plants and avoid run-off as much as possible. In general, keep the cuttings hydrated.
Rooting & finishing
Best results for 3D are achieved if media with the correct pH is used starting with propagation. For this osteo, the media pH should be 5.8 to 6.2. For fertilizer, start with low concentrations after roots show, and increase with plant development to the recommended fertilizer levels of 200 to 250 ppm N.
Water management in rooting and finishing is half the success and the best way to prevent root-bound diseases. It also improves the plants’ ultimate performance and controls plant quality. Avoid drying out or overwatering the substrate, as this will affect plant quality and finishing time.
3D prefers to dry regularly between waterings. “Growing on the dry side” means letting the substrate become dry before watering again (substrate color turns light brown and substrate starts to separate from the pot edge). However, note that root systems may suffer when conditions change from one extreme to the other.
Finishing guidelines
During rooting, keep soil temperature measured in the liner at 70F (21C) until cuttings are well rooted. After planting the liner, keep temperature up until roots have developed nicely. Afterward, follow these temperature needs (day/night) for 3D: 59F to 76F/44F to 55F (15C to 24C/7C to 13C).
The use of “cool morning“ treatments will improve plant quality, flower and foliage color, and plant habit. It will also harden the plants. Lower the temperature by 8 to 12F (4 to 6C) 2 hours before sunrise until 2 to 3 hours after sunrise. Start treatments after plants are rooted in, well-branched and cover the media (reach the pot edges).
To avoid delayed flowering, keep the average day temperature under a close watch, and if necessary, increase night temperatures. Finishing of the crop depends on the average day temperature, and positive or negative DIF methods, as well as “cool morning” can be used to improve plant quality.
A pinch after transplant is recommended. Light levels should be between 5,000 and 9,000 footcandles. Apply plant growth regulators as follows: Cycocel 750 to 1,500 ppm (spray), CCC 750 to 1,500 ppm (drench), Sumagic 5 to 10 ppm (spray)/Sumagic 0.5 to 1 PPM (drench). It is recommended to NOT use B-Nine on 3D Osteos, as it may have a negative effect on the expression of double
flowers.
Pests & diseases
Watch for possible thrips, whitefly, aphids, botrytis, pythium and rhizoctonia.
GT
Jim Kennedy is Sales Manager for Ball FloraPlant and Selecta North America.