Hypoestes Confetti Compact & XL

Plug Stage – 5 weeks - 288 plug cell

Stage One (days 1-4) Single sow seed into a slightly fertilized peat with a pH of 5.5 to 6.0 and an E.C. of 0.5 to 0.7 mmhos (2:1 slurry). Apply a light cover of medium vermiculite to maintain sufficient humidity. Optimum germination temperature is 68 oF/20 oC.
Stage Two (days 5-14) After germination is complete place the seedlings in a bright greenhouse with good air circulation. Apply a light feeding of 75 ppm Nitrogen using a well balanced Calcium nitrate based formulation. Optimum temperature is 66-68 oF/18-20 oC. To promote rapid development provide 16 hour photoperiod using 200 foot candles/ 2,500 lux or 40W/m2.
Stage Three (days 15-28) The new leaves are beginning to form. Maintain the E.C. at 1.0 to 1.2 by applying 100-150 ppm of Nitrogen as needed.Optimum light level is 2,500 foot candles/ 26,000 lux.
Stage Four (days 29-35) The plants are approaching transplant stage. Reduce fertilizer and moisture levels to tone the plants and prepare them for potting.

Transplanting – 5 weeks - 48 plug cell

Media: Select a well drained media with a pH between 5.5 and 6.0 with an E.C. of 0.5 to 0.7 mmhos (2:1 slurry).
Temperature: Optimum growing temperature is 66-70 oF/18-21 oC.
Light level: Optimum light level is 3,500 foot candles/ 36,000 lux. Avoid strong light (> 4,000 foot candles 43,000/lux) as this will cause leaf curl and delayed development. Supplemental lighting, especially during the short days of winter and early spring, will enhance growth and reduce crop time.
Fertilizer: Maintain media E.C. level between 1.0 and1.5 mmhos (2:1 slurry). Alternating with 15-5-15 Cal/Mag and 20-10-20 at 150-200 ppm N works well.
Growth Regulation: A tank mix of 1.5-2.0% Alar/Cycocel is effective once or twice a week. Begin spraying when the plants have 2 pairs of true leaves. During cooler weather reduce the concentration to 0.5-1.0%. Cycocel also helps to intensify the leaf color.
Pests: Aphids and whitefly may occasionally be a problem; especially under warmer temperatures.
Diseases: No major pests or diseases.

Scheduling:

* multiple plugs
Note: One may sow 5-7 seeds directly into a 4 inch/10 cm. pot and reduce crop time by one week.