Gloxinia Avanti

Plug Culture – 6 weeks

Stage 1 (days 1-8) Sow pelleted seed into a 288 cell tray filled with a sterile and well drained media with good aeration. A slightly fertilized peat is recommended and works well. For optimum results of pH of 6.0-6.5, an E.C. of 1.0 mmhos (1:2 dilution) and a temperature of 72-75 °F/22-24 °C should be maintained. Cover only with a thin layer of coarse vermiculite to allow some light for germination. Trays can be covered with thin plastic, if necessary, to maintain moisture but if covered do not expose trays to direct sunlight to avoid overheating.
Stage 2 (days 9-21) Seedlings have now emerged and cotyledons are present. Maintain air temperature between 68-72 °F/20- 22 °C. Lower humidity to 20-30% and fertilize with 75-100 ppm nitrogen from a well balanced calcium nitrate based fertilizer around day 10. Gloxinia is sensitive to boron deficiency so maintain media pH between 6.0 and 6.5 and supply 0.25 pm boron when fertilizing.
Stage 3 (days 22-40) Gradually increase the fertilizer concentration to 100-150 ppm nitrogen to maintain media E.C. between 1.0 and 1.2 mmhos as seedlings progress. The young foliage is sensitive to cold water which causes burning. To avoid damage to the foliage when watering overhead, the water temperature must be above 50 °F/10 °C. This is commonly known as “ring spot”. You should heat the water if this is a concern. During winter the young seedlings benefit form supplemental HID lighting at 300-500 foot candles / 3,200-5,400 lux for 16 hours. Under high light conditions seedlings benefit from a light shade of 40- 50%. Do not exceed 2,000 foot candles/21,500 lux.
Stage 4 (days 40-42) The plugs should have 4 true leaves and are approaching transplant stage. Transplant on time to avoid root bound plugs. Overgrown transplants flower prematurely with less flowers on smaller plants. Reduce fertilizer levels and lower the temperature down to 65 °F/18 °C to tone the plants.

Transplanting to flower

Media: Select a sterile well drained media with good aeration. Optimum pH is between 6.0-6.5 with an E.C. of 1.2 mmhos (2:1 slurry).
Potting: Avanti is best suited for 5-6 inch/12.5-15 cm pots. Brocade is best suited for 4-5 inch/10-12.5 cm pots. Plant the seedlings down so that the first set of “large” leaves is level with the media. Use care not to break off smaller leaves as it may invite disease. Drench with a broad spectrum fungicide after transplanting.
Spacing: Plants can remain pot tight for six to seven weeks after potting. Afterward, space 5 inch/12.5 cm. pots on 5.5–6 inch centers/30-35 per square meter.
Temperature: 0ptimum day temperature is 72 °F/22 °C, with the night temperature no lower than 65 °F/18 °C. If the temperature drops below 60 °F/15 °C, flowering will be delayed and production time will increase.
Watering and Fertilization: Gloxinias perform best when they are kept evenly moist and never allowed to dry out and wilt which can cause stunting and delayed flowering. For the first weeks following transplant fertilize at 100 ppm nitrogen using a well balanced calcium nitrate based formulation. After plants are established apply 150 ppm nitrogen for best performance. Optimum E.C. is 1.0-1.2 mmhos (1:2 dilution). Gloxinia is sensitive to boron deficiency characterized by deep dark green foliage, crinkled leaves and tip abortion. Maintain the media pH between 6.0 and 6.5 and apply 0.25 ppm of boron when fertilizing.
Lighting: Optimum light level is 2,000-2,500 foot candles/21,500-27,000 lux. For best results avoid strong sunlight. For winter growing apply supplemental lighting at 500 foot candles 5,000 lux for 10 hours.
Growth regulators: Growth retardants are not recommended. Growth can be controlled through fertilization, light and moisture.
Pests: Cyclamen mites, thrips and loopers
Diseases: Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus
Crop Time: (Avanti) 5-6 inch/12.5-15 cm pots will flower in 16-22 weeks from sowing depending on the time of year and light levels. Likewise, (Brocade) 4-5 inch/10-12.5 cm pots will flower in 20-24 weeks from sowing. One plant per pot.