Grower Facts
Ageratum Pearl(Ageratum houstonianum)

Germination
Media
Use a well-drained, disease-free plug media with a pH of 5.5 to 6.2 and EC about 0.75 mmhos/cm (1:2 extraction).

Sowing
Moisten the media before sowing the seed. If media is watered after sowing, make sure seeds are not washed away. Cover the seed with a light layer of vermiculite.

Temperature
-Germination: 72 to 75°F (22 to 24°C)
-Cotyledon stage: 68 to 75°F (20 to 24°C)
-True leaves: 65 to 72°F 18 to 22°C)
-Hold plugs: 60 to 68°F (15 to 20°C)

Germination takes approximately 3 to 4 days in a germination chamber. Plug Production

Media
Use a well-drained, disease-free plug media with a pH of 5.5 to 6.2 and EC about 0.75 mmhos/cm (1:2 extraction).

Sowing
Moisten the media before sowing the seed. If media is watered after sowing, make sure seeds are not washed away. Cover the seed with a light layer of vermiculite.

Temperature
-Germination: 72 to 75°F (22 to 24°C)
-Cotyledon stage: 68 to 75°F (20 to 24°C)
-True leaves: 65 to 72°F 18 to 22°C)
-Hold plugs: 60 to 68°F (15 to 20°C)

Germination takes approximately 3 to 4 days in a germination chamber

Fertilizer
As cotyledons expand, feed 50 ppm N in a nitrate form. When true leaves begin to develop, increase to 100 ppm.

Growth Regulators
No plant growth regulators are required. Growing On to Finish

Media
Use a well-drained, disease-free, soilless medium with a pH of 5.5 to 6.2 and a medium initial nutrient charge.

Temperature
Nights: 58 to 62°F (14 to 17°C)
Days: 70 to 80°F (21 to 27°C)

Irrigation
Irrigate plants on an as-needed basis. Excess water will promote lush growth and tall plants, and will delay flowering. Do not allow plants to wilt severely, or leaves may burn and drop off.

Fertilizer
Ageratum are light feeders, so they do not require large applications of fertilizers. Feed at a rate of 100 to 150 ppm N from a balanced fertilizer. Excessive nutrient levels will produce lush growth and will delay flowering.

Growth Regulators
If necessary, use B-Nine at 2,500 ppm.

Crop Scheduling
Ageratum is usually scheduled as a 9 to 10-week crop. Use of excessive growth regulators and/or less than optimal cultural practices may delay flowering and extend the crop time to as much as 12 weeks.

Common Problems
Insects: Whitefly, thrips, aphids