Inula Ensifolia

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Perennial / first year flowering

Familiy, Origin:Asteraceae, East-Europe, Caucasus, Turkey

Sitelocation:Full sun - partial shade

Garden Height:30 cm,11,81 inch

Flower Size:5 cm,1,97 inch

Natural flowertime:July - September

Crop Time:Plug crop: 6 weeks; Green pots: 10-12 weeks; Flowering pots: 20-24 weeks, annual production is possible; Flowering pots: 10-12 months, including wintering

Sell Period:August-October

Seed Form:Raw Seed

Seed Count:2222 K/g

Sowing Method:1-3 seeds per plug

Germination:20-30 days at 20-25 °C, in media with very low soluble salt levels and pH: 6.0-7.5. Cover seed with vermiculite, sand or substrate after sowing. Keep soil slightly moist but not wet. The plant roots are very sensitive to wetness.

Plug Culture:From Stage II* reduce the soil moisture, but the plug should not dry out and reduce the temperature to 18 °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 to 150 ppm.

Growing On:4-6 weeks after sowing transplant 1 plant into a pot (8-10 cm) or packs. For flowering pot production ensure good pot size, to encourage root growth, thus improving plant quality.

Media:Use a well-drained, growing perennial substrate with 0-15 % clay, 0-15 % organic parts (e.g. bark, wood fibres),1-1,5 kg/m3 of a complete balanced fertilizer, 0-2 kg/m3 of a slow release fertilizer (3-9 months), iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 6.0-7.5.

Photoperiod / Light:Long day plants. The long day (14 h) supports the flower initiation and flower development. In winter and early spring additional assimilation light (3000-4000 lx) is required.

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

Fertilization:Moderate fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 100-150 ppm nitrogen (at 2 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer in substrate), using alternating a calcium nitrate fertilizer and 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 100-150 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.

Cultural Hints:The roots are sensitive to wet substrates. Avoid to over watering and take care of a good drainage outdoors. Inula need a warm and sunny location. Protect the plants outdoors against wind.