Calceolaria Sunset Cultural Information

Plug Production

Sowing/Media: Use a well-drained, disease-free, peat-based plug medium with pH 5.5 – 5.8 and EC <1.0 mmhos (saturated paste). Use pelleted seed for best sowing results, and sow 2 seeds per plug. Do not cover seed.

Germination (Stages 1 and 2): Keep soil uniformly moist, not saturated. Do not bury the seed! Soil temperature should be 70 – 75°F. Light levels should be <1500 footcandles, and is beneficial for germination. Allow 10 – 12 days to finish germination.

Stage 3: Soil temperature should be 65 – 70°F. Dry down soil before watering, but avoid wilting. Keep light levels 1500 – 2500 footcandles. Feed every other watering with 100 – 150 ppm N from 17-5-17, 15-5-15, or 13-2-13. Keep media pH 5.5 – 5.8, and EC 1.0 – 1.25 mmhos (saturated paste). Avoid high salt levels!

Stage 4: Soil temperature can be lowered to 60 – 62°F. Dry down between waterings, but avoid wilting. Keep light levels <3000 footcandles, and feed as needed with 13-2-13. Keep media pH <6.5, and EC <1.25 mmhos (saturated paste).

Plant Growth Regulators: Spray with B-Nine at 2500 ppm or tank mix of B-Nine (1500 ppm) + Cycocel (250 – 500 ppm) as needed.

Crop Time: 5 – 6 weeks, depending on plug size, light levels, and temperature.

Common Problems: Pythium, Botrytis, INSV/TSWV, thrips, and fungus gnats, leaf-burning – too high light or not rinsing off feed, upper yellow leaves – high media pH or iron deficiency.

Growing on to finish

Container Size: 4 to 6-inch pots

Media: Transplant into a well-drained, disease-free, peat-based growing mix with pH of 5.5 – 5.8 and EC <1.5. Do not bury plugs!

Temperatures: Keep soil temperatures 60°F on average, higher for rooting out.

Light: Maintain light levels 2500 – 3500 footcandles. Plants may flower faster under longer days.

Irrigation and Fertilization: Allow pots to dry thoroughly before watering, but avoid wilting. Feed 1 – 2x/week with 100 – 150 ppm N from 17-5-17, 15-5-15, or 13-2-13. Add some extra iron in chelated form if needed. Keep media pH 5.5 – 5.8, definitely <6.5, and EC 1.0 – 1.2 mmhos (saturated paste).

Plant Growth Regulators: Spray with B-Nine (2500 ppm) or tank mix of B-Nine (1500 ppm) + Cycocel (500 – 750 ppm) as needed.

Common Problems: Pythium, Botrytis, INSV/TSWV, thrips, aphids, fungus gnats, and whiteflies

Crop Time: 18 – 22 weeks, depending on plug and container size, temperature, daylength, and light levels.