Petunia Merlin Grower Fact

Petunia Merlin
Cultural Information for: Petunia Blue Morn, Annual
Common Name: Petunia
Botanical Name: Petunia multiflora
Seed Count: 255,000-312,000/oz.,? 9,000-11,000/ gram
Optimum Germination Temperature: 78¡ãF / 26¡ãC
Optimum Growing Temperature: 55-68¡ãF /13-20¡ãC


Plug Culture - 392 Cell
Stage One (days 1-7) Sow raw or pelleted seed into a well drained sterile media with a pH of 5.8 to 6.2 and maintain a temperature of 72-75¡ãF / 22-24¡ãC. For proper and uniform germination do not cover the seed and use a fine mist for watering. If using pelleted seed, be sure to apply sufficient moisture at the start to thoroughly melt the pellets.

Stage Two (days 8-14) After the seedlings emerge reducemoisture levels and allow the media to dry slightly in between fertilizer applications. Apply 100 ppm¡¯s of Nitrogen from a well-balanced Calcium Nitrate-based fertilizer and place in a well-ventilated greenhouse with high light.Optimum temperatures range from 65¡ãF / 19¡ãC at night and 70¡ãF /21¡ãC during the day.

Stage Three (days 15-28) The seedlings are beginning to fill in the plug trays. Fertilize as needed to maintain EC levels between 0.8 and 1.0 mmhos (2:1 slurry). As leaves reach the edge of the plug tray a light application of B-9 at 2,500 ppm will help tone the plants. Supplemental lighting will promote leaf expansion and root development; especially during the darker months of January and February.

Stage Four (days 29-35) The plants are now reaching maturity and are ready for transplanting into pots and packs. Reduce moisture and hold at 60¡ãF /15¡ãC, if necessary, until transplanted.

Transplanting
Container Size: Merlin Blue Morn can be sold in packs, pots and hanging baskets as well as combination planters.

Media: Use a well-drained disease-free, soiless media with a pH of 5.5 to 6.2 and a moderate fertilizer starter charge.

Temperature: Maintain night temperatures between 55- 61¡ãF/13-16¡ãC and day temperatures between 61-68¡ãF/16- 20¡ãC.

Fertilizer: Merlin Blue Morn has a vigorous plant habit and for best results apply 150 - 200 ppm of Nitrogen as needed by using a well-balanced fertilizer. Calcium Nitrate-based fertilizers will help control excessive growth, but excess bicarbonate should be neutralized to avoid raising the pHabove 6.3 as Petunia Optimum E.C. level is 1.2 ¨C 1.5 mmhos (2:1 slurry). Merlin Blue Morn is sensitive to iron deficiency. Plants can be top dressed with a slow-release fertilizer 10 days prior to shipping to enhance consumer satisfaction.

Flowering: Petunia Merlin Blue Morn will flower in 10-12 weeks from sowing depending upon day length and temperature.

Growth Regulators: Petunia Merlin Blue Morn is vigorous
and may require some growth regulating in order make salable plants. An application of 2,500 ppm Alar (B-9) ten days following transplanting will promote compact plants.

Marketing Tips: Petunia Merlin Blue Morn¡¯s unique blue color helps soothe the soul on hot sizzling summer days. Combining Merlin Blue Morn in pots with Zinnia Profusion Cherry or Profusion White or the Dianthus Melody series adds support and makes a striking statement. Petunia Merlin Blue Morn is a 2003 All-America Selections Winner!