SunPatiens Petite: The SunPatiens for Containers

Mark Seguin & Michael Wiebe, Sakata

The SunPatiens family has built its superb reputation on season-long color, exceptional heat tolerance, and reliable performance in both sun and shade. Today, growers can choose from three distinct growth habits to address distinct market needs:

• SunPatiens Petite for container gardening and basket programs 
• SunPatiens Compact for versatile container production and landscape applications
• SunPatiens Vigorous for landscape applications where cooler night temperatures are more prevalent

SunPatiens Petite Blush Pink

Specifically bred for 6- to 12-in. containers, hanging baskets and combination planters, SunPatiens Petite delivers the same toughness and flower power growers expect from the SunPatiens brand in a denser, more manageable plant. The result is easy to grow elite containers with performance that benefits both growers and consumers.
 
Grower benefits
Naturally compact, no PGRs needed: SunPatiens Petite was bred to maintain a controlled, mounded habit without plant growth regulator applications. For many growers, this can reduce chemical inputs, lower production costs and simplify crop management while still producing a premium finished plant.

Easy to hold and ship: Because plants remain compact and uniform, finished containers can be held longer, when necessary, without becoming overgrown. This provides greater flexibility and shelf-life when coordinating shipping schedules and retail deliveries.

Same easy rooting: Despite its compact habit, Petite roots just as readily as other SunPatiens types. Cuttings root without hormone application and typically finish as liners in 2 to 3 weeks under standard SunPatiens propagation practices. 

Fast spring flowering: Growers can expect rapid flowering comparable to existing Compact varieties, allowing Petite to fit easily into established spring production schedules. If finishing under cooler than recommended ADT’s, consider extending total production time by 10-14 days for larger (12-inch) containers.

Production efficiency: Since growth control is built into the genetics, some growers may find slight culture adjustments are beneficial compared to Compact. This should be viewed as an opportunity to reduce reliance on chemical growth regulation while achieving the desired finished size through environmental management.

Consumer benefits
Petite stays attractive longer: Many flowering annuals can become oversized, open in the center, or split apart as they mature in containers. The real advantage of SunPatiens Petite is delivered after the point of sale. SunPatiens Petite maintain a dense, controlled habit that continues to bloom and look clean and finished throughout the summer and into late autumn.

Heavy flowering, even in shade: Consumers still receive the outstanding flower performance and worry-free care associated with the SunPatiens brand. Plants bloom heavily in both sun and full shade without stretching, providing dependable color where many flowering crops struggle. 
Season-long color: SunPatiens Petite delivers continuous blooms from spring through fall with excellent tolerance to summer heat and changing weather conditions. 

Production guidelines
SunPatiens Petite performs well using standard SunPatiens production practices.

Propagation:

• Rooting temperature: 68 to 75F (20 to 24C)
• One cutting per cell
• No rooting hormone required
• Typical liner time: 2 to 3 weeks
• Direct sticking can reduce total crop time by approximately two weeks. 

Growing conditions: 

• Ideal pH: 5.8 to 6.2
• Use a well-aerated growing medium
• Maintain consistent fertility at approximately 100 ppm nitrogen
• Avoid excessive watering, especially early in production
• Provide good airflow and avoid prolonged cool, wet conditions to minimize Botrytis risk 
• When determining plants per pot, consider: 1 ppp for 6 to 7 in., 3 ppp for 8 in. and 3 to 5 ppp for 10 to 12 in.

Finishing:

• Bright light promotes the best flowering and habit
• Pinching is not recommended, as it delays flowering and disrupts the naturally mounded form
• PGR applications are generally unnecessary due to Petite’s genetically controlled growth habit

SunPatiens Petite completes the SunPatiens family by offering growers a genetics-based solution for high-quality container production. With no routine PGR requirements, easy rooting, fast flowering, excellent ship ability and season-long consumer appeal, Petite delivers outstanding performance for the grower, retailer and end consumer. GT