Dianthus Corona Cherry Magic Dianthus chinensis

-All-America Selections Winner & Fleuroselect Quality Mark Winner Corona Cherry Magic dianthus has the largest flowers on the market – 2.5 to 3 in. (6 to 8 cm) across. The eye-catching blooms show a unique mixture of solid cherry, lavender with cherry centers and “tie-dyed” lavender and cherry pattern. These compact and extra-early blooming plants are ideal for pack and small pot production. Hardy to USDA Zone 5 (-30°C).
-Corona Cherry Magic dianthus grow 8 to 10 in. (20 to 25 cm) tall, making these sun-lovers great bedding plants.
-Corona Cherry Magic is available as seed, easy-to-sow pelleted seed and plugs.

Germination
No supplemental lighting is required. Use a well-drained, disease-free soilless medium with good aeration and water-holding capacity. Cover seed with vermiculite at sowing. Water well, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. It takes about 3 days to germinate.

Plug Production
Plug Tray Size
Best produced in 406-cell plug trays.

Sowing
Use a well-drained, disease-free soilless medium with good aeration and water-holding capacity. Cover seed with vermiculite at sowing. Water well, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. It takes about 3 days to germinate.

Temperature
Germination: 64 to 68°F (18 to 20°C)
Cotyledon emergence: 65 to 70°F (18 to 21°C) days; 60°F (15°C) nights
True leaf expansion: 60°F (15°C) days; 55°F (13°C) nights

Light
No supplemental lighting is required.

Fertilization

Stage 3: Alternate 20-10-20 and 14-0-14 at 50 ppm each week. Maintain EC at 0.75 to 1.0 mmhos/cm, and pH at 5.8 to 6.2.

Stage 4: Same as Stage 3, but increase to 100 ppm.

Growth Regulators
PGRs are not generally needed, although Corona Cherry Magic dianthus is responsive to Bonzi and B-Nine. An application of Bonzi spray at 6 ppm in early Stage 3 will tone the plugs.

Growing On to Finish
Container Size
Corona Cherry Magic dianthus is suitable for production in any pack configuration up to a 4-in. (10-cm) pot. Can be grown pot tight.

Temperature
Provide 60 to 72°F (15 to 22°C) days and 50 to 60°F (11 to 15°C) nights.

Fertilization
After plants are established, apply a calcium-based fertilizer or 15-5-15 at 150 ppm, 1 to 2 times per week.

Growth Regulators
Corona Cherry Magic dianthus is very responsive to growth regulators, like other dianthus. For example, an application of Bonzi spray at 20 ppm can be applied 2 weeks after transplanting and another application of Bonzi spray at 20 ppm may be required 10 to 14 days later. A tank mix of B-Nine at 5,000 ppm and Cycocel at 1,000 ppm spray can also be substituted for the Bonzi spray above for a gentler effect.

Crop Scheduling
Sow to flower: 10 to 12 weeks

Cultural Tip
Use a powdery mildew preventative program. Pyrrole and Piperalin can cause phytotoxicity.