Grower Facts

Anemone Mona Lisa (Anemone coronaria)

Germination
Mona Lisa seed germinates within 10 to 14 days at 65 to 70°F (18 to 21°C). Cover the seed with vermiculite at sowing for better germination.

Plug Production
Growing On:Temperatures until Stage 3 can range from 65 to 70°F (18 to 21°C). Stage 4 plugs should be grown on at a lower temperature for toning (60 to 65°F/15 to 18°C), before transplanting.
Fertilization:Beginning at Stage 2, start fertilizing the seedlings two times per week with 50 ppm N from 14-0-14, alternating with a 20-10-20-type fertilizer. Increase the N concentration to 100 ppm from Stage 3 and beyond. For Stage 2, EC can be at 0.75 and pH at 5.8 to 6.2. For Stage 3 and 4, EC can be at 1.0 and pH at 5.8 to 6.2.
Moisture:Since the anemone seedlings are relatively slow growing, proper moisture management is very important to keep the fungus gnat and shore fly population under check. Follow a routine pest control practice during the plug production. Control of Western Flower Thrips is very important, as these insects can spread Tospovirus among healthy anemones.
Scheduling:Average time for finishing the plugs in a 392-cell tray is approximately 8 weeks. Plug finishing time can take longer in a bigger cell size plug tray.
NOTE: Anemones produce roots that are naturally dark brown in color. Consider this trait when scouting for any root rot symptoms.

Growing On to Finish
Scheduling:The average crop time for Mona Lisa anemones in 4- in. (10-cm) pots is approximately 20 weeks.
Temperature:The average temperature set points after transplant can be at 60 to 65°F (15 to 18°C) days, 55°F (13°C) nights.
Fertilization:Anemones require relatively high nutrient levels. Once the plugs have rooted-out, begin fertilizing with 200 ppm N from 15-5-15 Cal-Mag once a week. Alternate with 200 ppm from calcium nitrate fertilizer. Since anemones grow best at cool temperatures, avoid ammonia-based fertilizers. Maintain an EC of 1.5 to 2.0 and a pH of 5.6 to 6.2 from transplant until finish.

Plant Growth Regulator Treatment
To produce Mona Lisa anemones as a pot crop, plant growth regulator treatments are needed. Apply Bonzi as a drench at a 2 ppm concentration about 6 weeks after transplant into a 4-in. (10-cm) pot. One application of Bonzi should be enough. Drench rates up to 4 ppm of Bonzi can be used with good results. The timing for the Bonzi treatment may vary depending on the size of the plug cell, final container size, and the time of the year. During the warm Summer season, the Bonzi treatment may be applied one week earlier if needed. Make sure that the crop has well-developed root mass before the drench application; the roots should fill the pot.

Common Problems
Insects: Aphids, Thrips and Whitefly.
Diseases: Botrytis (crown rot) and root rots are the common diseases of anemones. Keep the foliage dry and use a growing media with good drainage to minimize the occurrence of disease.