Grower Facts

Diascia Diamonte(Diascia barberae)

Germination
Use a well-drained, disease-free, soilless medium with a pH of 5.5 to 6.1 and a medium initial nutrient charge (EC less than 0.75 mmhos/cm with a 1:2 extraction). Light is not required for germination.Cover the seed lightly with coarse vermiculite. Germination takes 4 to 6 days. Each multi-seeded pellet will generally yield 2 to 3 plants.
NOTE: Do not use a growth regulator before radicle emergence as this can delay or stop germination.

Plug Production
Media: Use a well-drained, disease-free, soilless medium with a pH of 5.5 to 6.1 and a medium initial nutrient charge (EC less than 0.75 mmhos/cm with a 1:2 extraction).
NOTE: Do not use a growth regulator before radicle emergence as this can delay or stop germination.
Sowing: Each multi-seeded pellet will generally yield 2 to 3 plants. Plug tray sizes from 406 to 288 cells are recommended. Cover the seed lightly with coarse vermiculite. Germination takes 4 to 6 days.
Temperature
Germination (Stage 1): 65 to 70oF (18 to 21oC)
Cotyledon stage (Stage 2): 65 to 72oF (18 to 22oC)
True leaves (Stage 3): 65 to 70oF (18 to 21oC)
Hold plugs (Stage 4): 62 to 65oF (16 to 18oC)
Light
Stage 1: Light is not required for germination.
After germination, Stages 2 to 3: 1,000 to 2,500 f.c. (10,000 to 30,000 Lux).
Seedling maturity, Stage 4: Up to 5,000 f.c. (54,000 Lux), if temperature can be controlled.
Humidity: Maintain 95% relative humidity through radicle emergence.
Soil Moisture: Keep soil moisture high until radicle emergence, then reduce moisture levels after the radicle penetrates the medium. Do not allow the seedlings to wilt.
Fertilizing: At radicle emergence: Apply 50 to 75 ppm N from 14-0-14 or 13-2-13, alternating with 20-10-20 type fertilizer. As cotyledons expand: Increase to 100 to 150 ppm N.
Growth Regulators: Use B-Nine at 2,500 ppm in Stage 3, if necessary.

Growing On to Finish
Media: Use a well-drained, disease-free, soilless medium with a pH of 5.5 to 6.2 and a medium initial nutrient charge.
Temperature:Nights: 50 to 60°F (10 to 16°C)Days: 60 to 66°F (16 to 19°C)
Light: Maintain light level as high as possible while maintaining moderate temperatures.
Irrigation: Avoid both excessive watering and drought. Do not allow plants to wilt.
Fertilizer: Apply 200 ppm N once a week, alternating between 15-5-15 and 20-10-20 type fertilizers. Supplement withiron if needed. Do not withhold nitrogen as crop comes into flower, plants quickly become pale at a low EC. Maintain the media EC at 1.5 to 2.0 mmhos/cm and pH at 5.8 to 6.2.
Growth Regulators: Under cooler condition, multiple applications of B-Nine 3,000 to 5,000 ppm spray started 1 to 2 weeks after transplant can be used. Under warm conditions, 1 application of Bonzi 10 to 20 ppm (or Sumagic 5 to 10 ppm) can be used to hold plants. Use caution with Bonzi or Sumagic as Diamonte? is very responsive to these growth regulators. Multiple foliar sprays of A-Rest at 20 ppm applied 7 to 10 days after transplant and again 7 days after first application works well in both cool and warm conditions and does not stunt the plant.
Pinching: Pinching is not needed.

Common Problems
Insects: While Diamonte is generally disease free, it is susceptible to INSV if spread from neighboring crops. Watch for Thrips.
Diseases: No serious problems.