Helianthus Ballad Helianthus annuus This Petite Plant is Perfect in the Pot all Year ‘Round! -This F1 dwarf sunflower features bright, golden yellow flower petals with a dark center. -Unlike other sunflower varieties, Ballad? has no messy pollen. -Seasonal allergy sufferers will also like Ballad? for its “hypoallergenic” qualities – no sneezes or sniffles will occur around this flower. -Ballad’s shiny, green foliage is very mildew tolerant. -Makes a great gift plant.

Germination
Temperature
68° to 72°F (20° to 22°C)

Sowing
Seed can be directly sown into final container or in a plug tray with large cells. Cover with media, vermiculite or sand. Germination is quick – usually 3 to 5 days – and Ballad can germinate directly on the bench.

Light
Light is not required.

Plug Production
Media
Use a well-drained, disease-free seedling medium with a medium pH of 5.5 to 6.3 and a medium initial
nutrient charge (EC 0.75 mmhos/cm with a 1:2 extraction).

Media Temperature
65° to 75°F (18° to 24°C)

Light
After germination, maintain light levels between 1,000 and 2,500 f.c. (10,000 to 30,000 Lux). As seedlings mature, light levels may be increased up to 5,000 f.c. (54,000 Lux).

Soil Moisture
Maintain medium soil moisture until the first true leaf develops. Then moisture levels can be reduced. Do not allow the seedling to wilt.

Fertilizer
At radicle emergence, apply 50 to 75 ppm N from 15-0-15. As the cotyledons expand, increase fertilizer to 100 to 150 ppm N.

Growth Regulators
None are required.

Growing On to Finish
Container Size: 5 to 6-in. (13 to 15-cm) pot, 1 plant per pot. For winter production, a smaller container (4.5 in./12cm) can be used since plants do not grow as big under short days and low light. For summer and fall, larger containers (gallons) can also be used and result in larger plants with larger flowers and more prominent secondary flowers. Gallon containers with 3 plants per pot can also be grown. Containers with multiple plants will have smaller flowers than the same size container with only one plant.

Media
Use a well-drained, disease-free soilless medium with a medium initial nutrient charge and a pH of 5.8 to 6.5.

Temperature
Night: 65° to 68°F (18° to 20°C)
Day: 65° to 75°F (18° to 24°C)
The warmer the temperature, the faster crop time under the same growing season. The actual crop time depends on the temperature and time of year plants are grown (see notes under Daylength).

Light
Light level should be as high as possible while maintaining the recommended temperatures. High light gives Ballad a stronger stem, larger primary flowers and more secondary buds.

Daylength
Ballad can be flowered year round. Photoperiod trials have shown that Ballad flowers 1 to 2 weeks faster under 10 hour days than 14 hour days. However, cooler temperatures associated with short days can result in a longer crop time, as noted under Crop Scheduling. If assimilation lights are used during short days and also extend the daylength, the crop time will increase by 1 to 2 weeks depending on the actual daylength provided. Conversely, crops grown during the summer can be black clothed to create 12 hour days. This will decrease the crop time by one week during the summer.

Irrigation
Do not overwater. Allow the medium to moderately dry, then water thoroughly. Avoid watering in the late afternoon as the foliage will stay wet during the night and create an environment favorable for powdery mildew.

Fertilizer
Fertilize once a week at 200 ppm N with a high content of potassium. The optimal fertilizer ratio of N:P:K:Ca:Mg is 8:1:10:4:2. Stop fertilizing about 10 days before flowering.

Growth Regulators
No PGRs are required under short-day conditions. Under short days and cooler growing conditions, plants will grow 8 to 12 in. (20 to 30cm.) tall. Under long days and warmer growing conditions, plants will grow up to 20 to 24 in. (50 to 60cm.) tall. To control height, spray with B-Nine at 2,500 to 5,000 ppm 2 to 3 times with the first application starting 14 days after transplanting. Another option is to use a single Bonzi drench at 3-5ppm 14 days after transplanting. PGR treatments will delay flowering about one week.

Pinching
Pinching is not recommended. Pinching trials have been conducted. Removing the terminal bud shortly after initiation results in 4 to 5 small flowers arranged in a circular pattern at the top of the plant. Pinching does not produce a better product. Common Problems
Insects: Aphids
Diseases: Powdery mildew – However, Ballad is much more resistant to powdery mildew than other
commercial varieties.