Dianthus Floristan

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Biennial

Familiy, Origin:Caryophyllaceae, Mediterranean

Sitelocation:Full sun

Garden Height:70 cm,27,56 inch

Natural flowertime:July - October

Crop Time:Plug crop: 4-6 weeks; Green pots: 6-12 weeks; Flowering pots: 14-16 weeks, annual production is possible 7 months including vernalization

Sell Period:June-September

Seed Form:Raw Seed

Seed Count:500 K/g

Sowing Method:2-3 seeds per plug, can be sown directly in final pot

Germination:7-14 days at 18-22 °C, in media with low soluble salt levels and pH: 5.5-6.5. Before sowing treat substrate with fungicide against Fusarium. Don't cover seeds. Requires light for germination. Consistent moisture of the substrate and high humidity (above 95 %) for fast, uniform germination. Avoid direct sunlight by shading seeds after sowing.

Plug Culture:From Stage II* reduce the soil moisture, but the plug should not dry out and reduce the temperature to 16 °C. Do not let soluble salt level rise above 0,50 EC. Start fertilization at 50 ppm nitrogen in a well balanced formula. During Stage III and Stage IV fertilization levels can be increased up to 200 ppm.

Growing On:4-5 weeks after sowing transplant 3 plants into a pack or pot (8-10 cm) and 4-6 plants into a bigger pot (13-15 cm). Transplant the plant not too deep into substrate. Plant cut flowers in 25x25 to 25x40 cm space (frost free) and use nets to keep the stems upright.

Media:Use a well-drained, growing substrate with 15-30 % clay, 0-15 % parts (e.g. perlite, sand, bark) 1,5-2 kg/m3 complete balanced fertilizer, 1,5-2 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer (3-9 months), iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.5-6.5. Cultivation in pure rock wool is possible. Field: humus, sandy loamy soils with good drainage and good nutrition levels. If necessary, improve the soil with parts (sand, peat, perlite or bark). Standard fertilization: 70-90 g/m2 slow release fertilizer. Disinfect the soils in greenhouse before planting.

Photoperiod / Light:Long day plant. The long day supports the flower initiation while the short day supports the vegetative shoot growth with branching and stretching. Flowering pot production in winter and spring additional assimilation light (16-18 h) and high light intensity (20-30 klx) are required. When the plants have reached the required height and branching, start the long day (minimum 2-4 weeks) for flowering. Assimilation light and long day (16-18 h) decrease the cultivation time and increase the stem quantity. Night interruption is possible. If necessary cultivate in summer the plants for long stems and good branching in short day (10 h) with darkening.

Temperature:Grow at 13-16 °C during daytime and at 10 °c during night or outdoors. In winter indoors frost free at 3-5 °C or outdoors. In spring the plants start to grow for 7-9 weeks at 15-18 °C. Cold temperatures at 10-15 °C will increase the cultivation time. A chilling period (vernalization) for 6-9 weeks at 8th leaf stage at 5 °C is required for flower initiation. A quick flowering in field with foil cover or in poly tunnel is possible. Avoid large temperature changes, because this can cause burst of calyx.

Fertilization:High fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 200-300 ppm nitrogen (at 1,5 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. The roots are very sensitive to high ammonium levels. Don't fertilize after mid September. When the buds visible, fertilize with 100-150 ppm nitrogen using a potassium balanced fertilizer. 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. The roots are sensitive to high salt levels in substrates. Avoid high fertilizer concentrations, it is advisable to fertilize several times with low concentrations weekly. The CO2 fertilization (800-1000 vpm) stimulates the growth in winter and spring. Field: If necessary according to analysis, improve the soil with 70-90 g/m2 slow release fertilizer per year, applied in several portions. N min soil value: approximately 120 g/m2.

Cut Flowers:Cut flower stems can be harvested, when the buds begin to spread out. The cutting edge from flower stems must be daily cut. Vase life: 8-15 days. Cold storage is possible. Open flowers can be stored at 2-5 °C for 4-5 days. Allow them to cool down slowly.

Cultural Hints:Dry, light and airy cultivation. The roots are very sensitive to wet substrates or soils. Avoid overhead watering. Pinching the plant tops after the transplanting of a 4-6th leaf pairs is recommended for a better branching and good plant quality. Pot plants with buds can be transported well.