Arenaria Montana

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Perennial

Familiy, Origin:Caryophyllaceae, West Europe

Sitelocation:Full sun

Garden Height:15 cm,5,91 inch

Natural flowertime:May - June

Crop Time:Plug crop: 6 weeks; Green pots: 12-14 weeks; Flowering pots: 8-10 months, with vernalization

Seed Form:Raw Seed

Seed Count:769 K/g

Sowing Method:2-3 seeds per plug, can be multiple sown directly into pots or packs

Germination:9-14 days at 18-21 °C in media with very low soluble salt levels and pH: 6.0-7.0. Cover seed lightly with vermiculite. Keep soil slightly moist but not wet.

Plug Culture:From Stage II* reduce the soil moisture, but the plug should not dry out and reduce the temperature to 18 °C. Do not let soluble salt level rise above 0,50 EC. Start fertilization at 50 ppm nitrogen in a well balanced formula. During Stage III and Stage IV fertilization levels can be increased to 80-100 ppm.

Growing On:4-5 weeks after sowing transplant 2-3 plants into a pack or pot (6-10 cm).

Media:Use a well-drained, growing perennial substrate with 0-15 % clay, 0-10 % sand, 0-15 % organic parts (e.g. bark), 1-1,5 kg/m3 complete balanced fertilizer, 1-2 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer (3-9 months), iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 6.0-7.0.

Photoperiod / Light:Long day plants. Start in spring with supplemental lighting for good plant quality.

Temperature:Grow at 15-18 °C or outdoors. In winter indoors frost free at 3-5 °C or outdoors. Outdoor fleece cover needed. In spring the plants start to grow for 10-11 weeks at 15-18 °C. Cold temperatures at 7-12 °C will increase cultivation time.

Fertilization:Low fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 60-80 ppm nitrogen (at 2 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer in substrate), using a complete balanced fertilizer. Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. Don't fertilize after mid September. In spring fertilize with 60-80 ppm nitrogen of a complete balanced fertilizer. Prevent magnesium deficiency by applying magnesium sulphate (0,05 %) 1-2 times and in case of iron deficiency apply iron-chelate for 1-2 times. The roots are sensitive to high salt levels in substrates. Avoid high fertilizer concentrations, it is advisable to fertilize several times with low concentrations weekly.