Gypsophila Pacifica

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Perennial, FastraX-Perennial

Familiy, Origin:Carryophyllaceae, Mountains of Europe (Alps, Pyrenees)

Sitelocation:Full sun

Crop Time:Plug crop: 6 weeks Green pots: 10-12 weeks Flowering pots: 12-14 weeks, annual production is possible Flowerings pots: 10-12 months, including wintering

Seed Form:Raw Seed

Seed Count:0 K/g

Sowing Method:3-5 seeds per plug

Germination:5-10 days at 21-26 °C in media with very low soluble salt levels and pH: 5.8-7.0. Requires light for germination. Before sowing treat substrate with fungicide. Do not cover seed. Keep soil slightly moist but not wet. Avoid direct sunlight by shading seeds after sowing.

Plug Culture:From Stage II* reduce the soil moisture, the plug should not dry out and reduce the temperature to 18-20 °C. Do not let soluble salt level rise above 0,5 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 100 ppm.

Growing On:4-5 weeks after germination transplant 3-5 plants into a pack or pot (6-10 cm).

Media:Use a well-drained, growing perennial substrate with 0-15 % clay, 0-20 % parts (e.g. bark, sand, perlite), 1-1,5 kg/m3 complete balanced fertilizer, 1-2 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer (3-9 months), iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.8-7.0.

Photoperiod / Light:Long day plant. The long day (14 h) supports the flower initiation. In winter additional assimilation light is recommended for cut flower production.

Temperature:Grow at 10-18 °C. In winter indoors frost free at 3-5 °C or outdoors. Outdoors fleece cover needed. In spring the plants start to grow for 7-8 weeks at 15-18 °C. Cold temperatures at 7-12 °C will increase the cultivation time. A chilling period (vernalization) for flower initiation is not required.

Fertilization:Low fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 60-80 ppm nitrogen (at 2 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer in substrate), using a complete balanced fertilizer. Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. Don't fertilize after mid September. In spring fertilize with 60-80 ppm nitrogen of a complete balanced fertilizer. Prevent magnesium deficiency by applying magnesium sulphate (0,025 %) 1-2 times and in case of iron deficiency apply iron-chelate for 1-2 times. The roots are very sensitive to high salt levels in substrate. Avoid high fertilizer concentrations. It is advisable to fertilize several times weekly with low concentrations.

Cultural Hints:The roots are very sensitive to wet substrates and soils. Short time wetness can cause rotting of roots and poor plant quality. Take care of a good drainage outdoors, but avoid that the soils dry out. A quick flowering under foil outdoors at ambient condition is possible.