Coreopsis Baby

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Perennial

Familiy, Origin:Asteraceae, North America

Sitelocation:Full sun

Garden Height:40 cm,15,75 inch

Flower Size:6 cm,2,36 inch

Natural flowertime: June - September

Crop Time:Plug crop: 7-8 weeks; Flowering pots: 6-8 months, with vernalisation; Cut flower production: 3-4 years

Sell Period:May-June

Seed Form:Raw Seed

Seed Count:526 K/g

Sowing Method:2-3 seeds per plug

Germination:14-21 days at 18-24 °C, in media with low soluble salt levels and pH: 5.5-6.2. Requires light for germination. Cover seed lightly with vermiculite after sowing. Keep soil slightly moist but not wet.

Plug Culture:From Stage II* reduce the moisture, but the plug should not dry out. 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:3-4 weeks after sowing transplant 1 plant per plug tray (3-4 cm) and 4 weeks later transplant 1-2 plant into a pot (9-10 cm), 3-4 plants into a bigger pot (12-15 cm). Two time transplantation is recommended for perennial cultivation and for cut flower cultivation. For full flowering with an annual cultivation transplant several plants into one pot. Plant cut flowers in 30x30 cm space.

Media:Use a well-drained, growing substrate with 15-30 % clay, 1-1,5 kg/m3 complete balanced fertilizer, 0-2 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer (3-9 months), iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.5-6.2. Field: humus, sandy humus soils with good drainage and good nutrition levels. Standard fertilization: 50-60 g/m2 slow release fertilizer.

Photoperiod / Light:Long day plants. For the growth and flowering Coeropsis need long day (14 h) for 6-7 weeks. Night interruption is possible.

Temperature:Grow at 15-21 °C or outdoors for perennial cultivation. In winter indoors frost free at 3-5 °C or outdoors. Outdoor fleece cover needed. The plants start to grow for 6-7 weeks at 15-18 °C. Cold temperatures at 10-15 °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 100-150 ppm nitrogen of a potassium balanced fertilizer. Prevent magnesium deficiency by applying magnesium sulphate (0,025 %) 1-2 times and in case of iron deficiency (above pH 6.0) apply iron-chelate for 1-2 times. Field: If necessary according to analysis, improve the soil with 50-60 g/m2 slow release fertilizer, applied in several portions.

Cut Flowers:Cut flower stems can be harvested, when the flowers lightly are open. Vase life: 10-14 days. Cold storage is not recommended. After harvest in September, cut plants back to the ground.

Cultural Hints:Dry, light and airy cultivation. Avoid excessive wetness. The roots are very sensitive to wet substrate/soils.