Phlox New Hybrids Mix

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Perennial

Familiy, Origin:Polemoniaceae, North America

Sitelocation:Full sun - partial shade

Garden Height:90 cm,35,43 inch

Natural flowertime:July - September

Crop Time:Plug crop: 14-16 weeks; Green pots: 20 24 weeks; Flowering pots: 32 weeks, annual production is possible (limited flowering); Flowering pots: 24-36 months, including vernalization (full flowering); Cut flower production: 5-6 years

Sell Period:May-October

Seed Form:Raw Seed

Seed Count:97 K/g

Sowing Method:1 seed per plug

Germination:1-2 weeks at 15-18 °C; 2-4 weeks at 0-4 °; 1 week at 10 °C; following at 12-18 °C, in media with low soluble salt levels and pH: 5.5-6.5. Cold germinator. Cover seed with vermiculite, sand or substrate after sowing. Keep soil slightly moist but not wet. For the chilling period try to cool the seed in the cold store (2-4 weeks) or during winter outdoors. Changing temperatures support the germination.

Plug Culture:From Stage II* reduce the moisture, but the plug should not dry out. Do not let soluble salt level rise above 0,75 EC. Start fertilization at 75-100 ppm nitrogen in a well balanced formula. During Stage III and Stage IV fertilization levels can be increased up to 150 ppm.

Growing On:3-4 weeks after sowing transplant 1 plant per plug tray (3x3 cm) and 3-4 weeks later transplant into a pack or pot (8-10 cm) or into a container (3-10 l). After transplanting keep the tray, because it is possible that more seeds germinate at a later time. For flowering pot production ensure good pot size, to encourage root growth, thus improving plant quality. Plant cut flowers (frost free) in 30-40 x 40-50 cm space and use nets to keep the stems upright.

Media:Use a well-drained, growing perennial substrate with 0-15 % clay, 0-15 % parts (e.g. bark, wood fibres), 1-3 kg/m3 complete balanced fertilizer, 1-3 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer (3-9 months), iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.5-6.5. Field: loamy sandy to sandy humus soils with good drainage. Standard fertilization: 80-100 g/m2 of a slow release fertilizer.

Photoperiod / Light:Long day plants. The long day (14-16 h) supports the flower initiation and the flower development. In winter and in early spring additional assimilation light (35- 70 klx) is recommended. Night interruption (4 h) is possible. A cultivation at natural day length and in cold greenhouse or outdoors is possible, too, but the flowering is only from July onwards. Cut flower production: for multiple harvests of stems per year long day conditions with high light intensity and warm temperatures are required. Low light levels are a cause for weak plants.

Temperature:Grow at 10-18 °C or outdoors. In winter indoors frost free at 3-5 °C or outdoors. For wintering the roots should be developed very well and the plant should have at least 8-12 leaves. In spring start to grow at 18-21 °C. Cold temperatures of 10-12 °C will increase the cultivation time. A chilling period (vernalization) for flower initiation for 10-15 weeks at 5 °C is recommended. This improves uniformity and the quantity of the flowering. For multiple harvests per year P. paniculata needs warm temperatures and long day.

Fertilization:Moderate fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 130-150 ppm nitrogen (at 3 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer in substrate), using a potassium balanced fertilizer (N: K2O-ratio: 1:1,5). Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. High nitrogen levels are the cause that the shoots are getting soft and the plants fall apart. Don't fertilize after early September. In spring fertilize 200-250 ppm nitrogen of a potassium balanced fertilizer (N: K2O-ratio: 1:1,5. 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. Field: If necessary according to analysis, improve the soil with 80-100 g/m2 of a slow release fertilizer, applied in several portions. N min soil value: approximately 130 g/m2.

Cut Flowers:Cut flower stems can be harvested, when first flowers per stem are just open. Shelf life is limited and the petals have a tendency to drop off easily. Remove the bottom leaves. Vase life: 6-10 days (stem) and 1-2 days (single flower). After harvest, cut back the plants and the following flower will appear 8-10 weeks later. 2-3 harvests per year under long day condition are possible.

Cultural Hints:Keep a constant water supply, but the soil or substrate should not be too wet. For the pot plant production pinching the top once after transplanting promotes a compact plant habit and will increase the quantity of flowers. Check for of possible infection with Powdery Mildew and fight in time. Protect the cut flower outdoors against wind.