Helenium Helena

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Perennial / first year flowering

Familiy, Origin:Asteraceae, North America

Sitelocation:Full sun

Garden Height:120 cm,47,24 inch

Natural flowertime:June - August

Crop Time:Plug crop: 6-8 weeks; Green pots: 8-10 weeks; Flowering pots: 18-20 weeks, annual cultivation is possible; Cut flower production: 3-4 year

Sell Period:September-October

Seed Form:Raw Seed

Seed Count:2857 K/g

Sowing Method:1-3 seeds per plug

Germination:8-12 days at 18-22 °C, in media with low soluble salt levels and pH: 5.5-6.5. Requires light for germination. Keep soil slightly moist but not wet. Avoid direct sunlight by shading seeds after sowing.

Growing On:5-6 weeks after sowing transplant 1 plant into a pack or pot (10-15 cm) and 2-3 plants into a container (3-5 l). Plant cut flowers (frost free) in 30-35 x 40 cm space or transplant 3-4 plants into a container (25-40 l). For cut flower production cultivate in container in order to simplify the cultivation control because of the container's mobility.

Media:Use a well-drained, growing substrate with 15-30 % clay, 1-3 kg/m3 complete balanced fertilizer, 1-3 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer (3-9 months), iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.5-6.5. Field: loamy sandy to sandy humus soils with a good drainage. Standard fertilization: 80-100 g/m2 of a slow release fertilizer.

Photoperiod / Light:Long day plant. Keep light levels high. The long day (14 h) support the flower initiation. In winter additional assimilation light for early forcing in combination with warm temperatures are required.

Temperature:Grow at 15-18 °C. For the production of container plants the temperature can be decreased to 10-13 °C. These cold temperatures promote short shoots and the application of growth regulators is not required anymore, but the cultivation time will increase by 1-3 weeks. In winter indoors frost free at 3-5 °C or outdoors. Outdoors fleece cover needed. For wintering the root development in pots has to be good. In spring the plants start to grow for 12-14 weeks at 15-18 °C and long day.

Fertilization:High fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 200-250 ppm nitrogen (at 3 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. Don't fertilize after mid September. In spring fertilize with 200-250 ppm nitrogen of 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. Field: If necessary according to analysis, improve the soil with 80-100 g/m2 of a slow release fertilizer per year, applied in several portions.

Cut Flowers:Cut flower stems can be harvested, when the flowers are half open. Buds still closed at harvest become faded and do not open. Remove the bottom leaves. Vase life: 7-10 days. Cold storage is possible. In the first year harvest 2-4 stems per plant and from second year harvest 7-14 stems per plant. Remove spent flower stems to encourage additional flowers.

Cultural Hints:Dry, light and airy cultivation. Avoid over watering and drought stress. Keep enough distance between containers. For annual production pinching the plant tops after transplanting is recommended for a better branching and good plant quality.