Calendula Princess

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Annual

Familiy, Origin:Asteraceae, South Europe

Sitelocation:Full sun

Garden Height:50 cm,19,69 inch

Crop Time:Plug crop: 5-6 weeks, Flowering pots: 9-13 weeks, Cut flower production: 12-16 weeks

Sell Period:May-June

Seed Form:Raw Seed

Seed Count:100 K/g

Sowing Method:1-3 seeds per plug

Germination:5-10 days at 21 °C; in media with low soluble salt levels and pH: 5.8-6.5. Cover seed with vermiculite, sand or substrate after sowing. 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 16-18 °C. Do not let soluble salt level rise above 0,75 EC. Start fertilization at 50-75 ppm nitrogen in a well balanced formula. During Stage III and Stage IV fertilization levels can be increased to 150-200 ppm.

Growing On:2-4 weeks after the sowing transplant 1 plant into a pot (10-15 cm) or 2-3 plants into a container (3-5 l). Plant cut flowers in 20-30 x 20-30 cm space and use nets to keep the stems upright.

Media:Use a well-drained, growing substrate with 15-30 % clay, 0-20 % parts (e.g. coconut fibres, perlite), 1-1,5 kg/m3 complete balanced fertilizer, Fe-Chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.8-6.5. Field: humus, loamy soils with good drainage and good nutrition levels. Standard fertilization: 50-80 g/m2 slow release fertilizer.

Photoperiod / Light:Optional long day plant. Increasing day length and light intensity will stimulate the flower initiation. A cultivation in shorting day is possible, too, however, this will increase the cultivation time. Cut flower production in winter and spring with additional assimilation light is recommended.

Temperature:Grow at 10-15 °C. Calendula does not grow at temperatures below 8 °C and does not tolerate frost. A cool cultivation in early spring in polytunnel or cold greenhouse is possible.

Fertilization:High fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 100 -200 ppm nitrogen, using a complete balanced fertilizer. Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. High nitrogen levels cause delay in flower initiation and smooth stems. Prevent magnesium deficiency by applying magnesium sulphate (0,025 %) 1-2 times and in case of iron deficiency apply Fe-Chelate for 1-2 times. Field: begin two weeks after transplanting with fertilization (see above).

Cut Flowers:Cut flowers stems can be harvested, when 100 % of the flowers are open, otherwise the head may collapse. Remove the bottom leafs and put the stems in water immediately. Vase life: 6-12 days. Cold storage for 2-3 day standing in water is possible.