Bracteantha SunBrero

Steve Rinehart—Kienztler

SunBrero, a new series of bracteantha from Kienztler, has large blooms on medium-vigor plants with string branching. Produced from clean stock, they’re perfect planted in containers as one color or in a combination. There are five vibrant colors: White, Yellow, Orange (pictured), Pink and Red. 

Propagation 
Schedule four to five weeks for propagation. Ensure plugs are rooted before transplant. 

Warm temperature propagation will encourage faster rooting. Recommended night temperature of 68F (20C). Avoid excessive wilting by misting during the first 10 to 14 days.

After root initiation, begin fertilization concentration at 75 to 100 ppm. Mitigate stretch by reducing mist, decreasing humidity and increasing light levels. Elevated light levels will also tone cuttings before transplant.

Common problems: In the presence of interveinal chlorosis, review pH levels and irrigations. pH levels should be held between 5.8 and 6.2. Avoid rising pH by use of acid fertilization. After root establishment, allow some drying to occur between irrigations.

Finishing 
In a heated greenhouse, expect a 1-qt. container to finish in six to seven weeks. Under non-heated greenhouse conditions, expect 1 qt. to finish in 12 weeks, 12 to 14 weeks in a 2.5 qt. to a gallon container and 14 to 16 weeks in a 12- to 16-in. container. Allow bracteantha to establish multiple mature blooms prior to retail. Bracteantha grows slower at lower temperatures and may require an extra one to two weeks.

Only transplant once a fully rooted plug has formed in propagation. Do not plant rooted plugs deep into the soil. Stems and leaves should not be buried. Suggested pot sizes in the range of 1 plug in a 2.5 qt. to a gallon pot and 3 cuttings in a 12- to 16-in. pot. No pinch required.

At transplant, move newly planted pots to an environment with daytime light levels reaching 5,000 to 6,000 FC. After final container root establishment, move pots to area of increased daytime light levels with 8,000 FC as the target.

After final container root establishment, night temperatures can be lowered to 65F (18C). Preferred daytime temperatures should reach a high of 70 to 75F (21 to 23C).

After final container root establishment, allow some drying to occur between irrigations.

Helpful tip: Bracteantha should be grown in a covered greenhouse to avoid moisture on buds. Avoid overhead irrigation. GT