Centranthus Rosyred

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Perennial

Familiy, Origin:Valerianaceae, West and East Europe

Sitelocation:Full sun - partial shade

Garden Height:80 cm,31,5 inch

Natural flowertime:May - July

Crop Time:Plug crop: 6 weeks; Green pots: 10-12 weeks; Flowering pots: 18-20 weeks, annual cultivation is possible

Sell Period:July-September

Seed Form:Raw Seed

Seed Count:847 K/g

Sowing Method:3-5 seeds per plug, sowing in field is possible

Germination:14-21 days at 18-22 °C, in media with low soluble salt levels and pH: 6.0-7.0. Requires light for germination. Keep soil slightly moist but not wet. Avoid direct sunlight by shading seeds after sowing.

Plug Culture:From Stage II* reduce the soil moisture, the plug should not dry out and reduce the temperature to 15-18 °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 up to 100-150 ppm.

Growing On:4-6 weeks after sowing transplant 1 plant into a pack or pot (7-9 cm) and 2-3 plants into a bigger pot (10-15) or into a container (3-5 l). For flowering pot production ensure good pot size, to encourage root growth, thus improving plant quality. Plant cut flowers (frost free) in 40 x 20-30 cm space. Prefer a sunny and warm location.

Media:Use a well-drained, growing perennial substrate with 0-15 % clay, 0-20 % parts (e.g. bark, sand, perlite), 1-1,5 kg/m3 complete balanced fertilizer, 0-2 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer (3-9 months), iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 6.0-7.0. Field: sandy loamy soils to loamy sandy soil, calcareous and with a good drainage. Standard fertilization: 50-60 g/m2 slow release fertilizer.

Photoperiod / Light:Long day plant. The long day support the flower initiation while the short day support the vegetative growth. In winter supplemental lighting (12-14 h) for early forcing in combination with warm temperatures is recommended.

Temperature:Grow at 12-15 °C. In winter indoors frost free at 3-5 °C or outdoors. Outdoors fleece cover needed. For wintering the root development in pots has to be good. In spring the plants start to grow for 6-8 weeks at 15-18 °C and long day. Cold temperatures at 8-15 °C will increase the cultivation time.

Fertilization:Moderate-high fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 100-150 ppm nitrogen (at 2 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer in substrate), using a potassium balanced fertilizer (N: K2O-ratio: 1:1,5). Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. Don't fertilize after mid September. In spring fertilize with 100-150 ppm nitrogen of a potassium balanced fertilizer (N: K2O-ratio: 1:1,5). 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. Field: If necessary according to analysis, improve the soil with 50-60 g/m2 slow release fertilizer per year, applied in several portions. N min soil value: approximately 60 g/m2.

Cut Flowers:required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 100-150 ppm nitrogen (at 2 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer in substrate), using a potassium balanced fertilizer (N: K2O-ratio: 1:1,5). Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. Don't fertilize after mid September. In spring fertilize with 100-150 ppm nitrogen of a potassium balanced fertilizer (N: K2O-ratio: 1:1,5). 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. Field: If necessary according to analysis, improve the soil with 50-60 g/m2 slow release fertilizer per year, applied in several portions. N min soil value: approximately 60 g/m2.

Cultural Hints:The roots are very sensitive for wet substrate or wet soils. For cultivation allow for the pots to dry thoroughly between irrigations. Keep a good drainage of the field. After planting treat pots with fungicide against Botrytis.