Nemesia Carnival Mix

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Annual

Familiy, Origin:Scrophulariaceae, South Africa

Sitelocation:Full sun - partial shade

Garden Height:25 cm,9,84 inch

Natural flowertime:June - September

Crop Time:Plug crop: 6-8 weeks; Flowering pots: 12-14 weeks

Sell Period:May-June

Seed Form:Raw Seed

Seed Count:5882 K/g

Sowing Method:4-6 seeds per plug, sowing directly into pots or packs is recommended

Germination:10-14 days at 15-18 °C, in media with low soluble salt levels and pH: 5.0-6.0. Before sowing treat substrate with fungicide. Cover seed with vermiculite, sand or substrate after sowing. Keep soil slightly moist but not wet. The roots are sensitive to wet substrates. Temperatures above 18 °C inhibit the germination.

Plug Culture:From Stage II* reduce the moisture, but the plug should not dry out and reduce the temperature to 15 °C. Do not let soluble salt level rise above 0,75 EC. Start fertilization at 50-75 ppm nitrogen in a well balanced formula. During Stage III and Stage IV fertilization levels can be increased up to 150 ppm.

Growing On:2-4 weeks after sowing transplant 1 plant into a pack or pot (9-10 cm) and 2-3 plants into a bigger pot (11-15 cm). Avoid root injury, because root injury can be a cause for growth inhibition.

Media:Use a well-drained, growing substrate with 15-30 % clay, 10 % perlite, 1-2 kg/m3 complete balanced fertilizer, iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.0-6.0.

Photoperiod / Light:Long day plants. The long day (14 h) supports the flower initiation, as well as the flower development and the intensity of the flower colors. Nemesia needs high light levels. Flowering pots production in winter and early spring with additional assimilation light will improve the plant quality and decrease the cultivation time. In summer protect young plants against high intensity of sunlight.

Temperature:Grow at 12-15 °C. High temperatures above 16 °C support the shoot stretching. Keep cold temperatures, this promotes a compact plant growth and good plant quality. Nemesia does not tolerate temperatures below 4 °C.

Fertilization:Moderate-high fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 150-200 ppm nitrogen, using a complete balanced fertilizer. Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. 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. High fertilization levels can be a cause for reduced and delayed flowering.

Cultural Hints:Cultivate in plug stage rather moist and after transplanting rather dry. Avoid over head irrigation at the start of flowering. Pinching the top once after transplanting will increase the branching and increase the quantity of the flowers. After cutting remove faded flowers in order that a second flowering appears. A beautiful product for Mother's Day.