Pansy Cats

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Biennial

Familiy, Origin:Violaceae, Hybrids

Sitelocation:Full sun - partial shade

Garden Height:13 cm,5,12 inch

Crop Time:Depending on geographical location and light intensity; Plug crop: 4-6 weeks, Flowering in autumn (from sowing to flower): 11-13 weeks, Flowering in spring (from sowing to flower): 27-28 weeks

Sell Period:9-10 or 3-4

Seed Form:Raw Seed

Seed Count:700 K/g

Sowing Method:1 seed per plug

Germination:Stage I+II: 14 -21 days at 15-18 °C, Stage III+IV: 14-21 days at 12-16 °C. In media with very low soluble salt levels and pH: 5.2-6.2. Requires light for germination. Cover seed lightly with vermiculite after sowing. Keep soil slightly moist but not wet. Avoid direct sunlight by shading seed after sowing. Temperatures above 18 °C will inhibit the germination.

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. Start fertilization at 50 ppm nitrogen in a well balanced formula. During Stage III+IV fertilization levels can be increased to 100 ppm.

Growing On:3-5 weeks after germination transplant 1 plant into a pot (8-10 cm) or packs. The water and nutrition supply can be controlled better in large pots.

Media:Use a well-drained, growing substrate, pH: 5.5-6.2.

Photoperiod / Light:Day length neutral plants. For growth and flowering pasies requires high light levels. The short day improves branching and the growth of the plants. Avoid direct sunlight by shading at warm temperatures in autumn or in winter. Light deficiency combined with warm temperatures can be a cause for stretching of shoots. Supplemental lighting decreases considerably the cultivation time.

Temperature:Grow at 10-15 °C or outdoors. Cultivate as cold as possible for a good compact growth. Temperatures above 12 °C are a cause for stretching of shoots. In winter indoors frost free at 2-5 °C or outdoors. Outdoors fleece cover needed. In January the plants start to grow at 8-10 °C.

Fertilization:Low fertilization levels are required. The roots are sensitive to high salt levels in substrates.

Cultural Hints:Avoid that the plant roots grow into the soil underground and cultivate as cold as possible for compact plant development. High relative humidity in winter and wet foliage are a cause for Botrytis. Cultivate rather dry, but not wet. For cultivation at frost the roots should be very well developed for wintering and the plant should not be too small.