Erigeron Aurantiacus

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Perennial

Familiy, Origin:Asteraceae, Mountains of Turkestan

Sitelocation:Full sun

Garden Height:40 cm,15,75 inch

Natural flowertime:June - August

Crop Time:Plug crop: 6- 8 weeks; Green pots: 10-12 weeks; Flowering pots: 14-16 weeks, full flowering, annual production is possible

Sell Period:July-September

Seed Form:Raw Seed

Seed Count:2500 K/g

Sowing Method:5-6 seeds per plug, can be sown directly into final pot

Germination:14-20 days at 18-24 °C, in media with low soluble salt levels and pH: 5.5-6.5. Requires light for germination. Cover seed lightly with vermiculite after sowing. Keep soil slightly moist but not wet. 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 18-20 °C. Do not let soluble salt level rise above 0,75 EC. Start fertilization at 75 ppm nitrogen in a well balanced formula. During Stage III and Stage IV fertilization levels can be increased to 100-150 ppm.

Growing On:3-4 weeks after sowing transplant 5-6 plants into a pot (8-15 cm). Transplant the plant not too deep into substrate.

Media:Use a well-drained, growing perennial substrate with 0-15 % clay, 0-20 % parts (e.g. perlite, coconut fibres), 1-1,5 kg/m3 complete balanced fertilizer, 1-2 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer (3-6 months), iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.5-6.5.

Photoperiod / Light:Long day plant. The long day (12-14 h) support the flower initiation and flower development. In winter and early spring additional assimilation light is required.

Temperature:Grow at 12-18 °C during daytime and at 10-12 °C during night. In winter indoors frost free at 3-5 °C or outdoors. Outdoor fleece cover needed. In spring the plants start to grow for 8-10 weeks at 12-18 °C. Warm temperatures will decrease the cultivation time. A chilling period (vernalisation) for flower initiation is not required, but the vernalization will speed flowering.

Fertilization:Moderate fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 100-150 ppm nitrogen (at 2 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer in substrate), using a complete balanced fertilizer. Avoid high nitrogen levels. Don't fertilize after mid September. In spring fertilize with 100-150 ppm nitrogen using 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.

Cultural Hints:Erigeron have low water demands. Avoid overwatering and cultivate dry. Short time wetness can cause rotting of roots. Planting the plant of warm and sunny locations. Protect the plants in winter against frost.