Lobelia Blue Wings

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Annual

Familiy, Origin:Campanulaceae, West Australia

Sitelocation:Partial shade

Garden Height:25 cm,9,84 inch

Natural flowertime:May - September

Crop Time:Plug crop: 4-5 weeks; Flowering pots: 12-14 weeks; Hanging basket: 15-16 weeks

Sell Period:May-June

Seed Form:Raw Seed

Seed Count:24390 K/g

Sowing Method:5-7 seeds per plug, can be sown directly into final pot

Germination:10-14 days at 22-24 °C, in media with very low soluble salt levels and pH: 5.0-5.8. Requires light for germination. Do not cover seeds. Keep soil slightly moist but not wet. Long day (12-14 h) during the germination decreases the cultivation time and the flowering is earlier. Avoid direct sunlight by shading seeds after sowing.

Plug Culture:From Stage II* reduce the soil moisture, but the plug should not dry out. Do not let soluble salt level rise above 0,5 EC. The roots are sensitive to high salt levels in substrates. Start fertilization at 50 ppm nitrogen in a well balanced formula. During Stage III and Stage IV fertilization levels can be increased to 150-200 ppm.

Growing On:Flowering pots: 4-5 weeks after sowing transplant 1-3 plants or 1 plug into a pot (6-10 cm). Hanging basket and big pots: 4-5 weeks after germination transplant 3-5 plants or 3-4 plugs into a hanging basket (20-25 cm) Two time transplantation for hanging basket production supports the young plant quality. Transplant the plants single with suitable distance in the pot, because without sufficient distance the plants will rot very quickly.

Media:Use a well-drained, growing substrate with 15-30 % clay, 0-10 % parts (e. g. perlite), 1-1,5 kg/m3 complete balanced fertilizer, 0-2,5 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer (3-6 months), iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.0-5.8. For hanging basket production the application of a slow fertilizer is recommended.

Photoperiod / Light:Day length neutral plant. Long day (14-16 h) promotes the flowering and decreases the cultivation time. Keep light level high. In winter and in early spring additional assimilation light is recommended. In early summer protect the plants against high light intensity and warm temperatures by shading, so that the plants can stay compact and the shoots don't stretch and don't fall apart. If cultivated at short day, cold temperatures will be required for a good plant quality.

Temperature:Grow at 18-20 °C. After development of the roots decrease the temperature slowly to 5-10 °C for 4-5 weeks. This chilling period supports a good flower initiation, the flowering is earlier and the cultivation time is decreased. Lobelia tenuior does not tolerate frost.

Fertilization:Moderate fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 150-200 ppm nitrogen (at 0 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer in substrate), using a complete balanced fertilizer. Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. Prevent magnesium deficiency by applying magnesium sulphate (0,025 %) 1-2 times and in case of iron deficiency (above pH 6.0) apply iron-chelate for 1-2 times. Wetness and cold temperatures in substrate are a cause for iron deficiency. The roots are sensitive to high salt levels in substrates. Avoid high fertilizer concentrations, it is advisable to fertilize several times with low concentrations weekly.

Cultural Hints:After transplanting treat pots with a fungicide against Rhizoctonia and Pythium. Cultivate rather dry and remove the tops after transplanting for a compact plant growth and a full flowering.