Scabiosa Ritz

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Perennial, first year flowering, FastraX Perennial

Familiy, Origin:Dipsacaceae, Japan

Sitelocation:Full sun-partial shade

Garden Height:18 cm,7,09 inch

Natural flowertime:June - September

Crop Time:Plug crop: 5-6 weeks, Flowering pots: 12-14 weeks, annual production is possible, Flowering pots: 8-10 months, including overwintering

Sell Period:May-October

Seed Form:Raw Seed

Seed Count:626 K/g

Sowing Method:1-2 seeds per plug

Germination:Stage I: 10-12 days at 18-21 °C, Stage II, III and IV: 16-18 °C. In media with low soluble salt levels and pH 5.8-6.5. Requires light for germination. Cover seed lightly with vermiculite after sowing. Keep soil slightly moist but not wet. 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 0,75 EC. Start fertilization at 50-75 ppm nitrogen in a well balanced formula. During Stage III and Stage IV fertilization levels can be increased to 100-150 ppm.

Growing On:5-6 weeks after germination transplant 1 plant into a pot (10-12 cm).

Media:Use a well-drained, growing substrate with 15-30 % clay, 0-20 % parts (e.g. bark, perlite, sand), 1,5-3 kg/m3 complete balanced fertilizer, 0-2 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer (3-9 months), iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH 5.8-6.5.

Photoperiod / Light:Day length neutral plant. Keep light level high, because high light levels improve the flower initiation and the plant quality. In winter and early spring additional assimilation light (43-65 klx) is recommended. Keep short day conditions with high light intensity during vegetative growth for a compact plant habit and afterwards turn to long day with high light intensity for flowering.

Temperature:Grow at 12-15 °C or outdoors. In winter indoors frost-free at 3-5 °C or outdoors.

Fertilization:Moderate fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 130-150 ppm nitrogen (at 2 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer in substrate), using a complete balanced fertilizer. Don't fertilize after mid September. In spring fertilize 130-150 ppm nitrogen of a complete balanced fertilizer. Prevent magnesium deficiency by applying magnesium sulphate (0,05 %) 1-2 times and in case of iron deficiency (above pH 6.0) apply iron-chelate for 1-2 times.

Cultural Hints:Dry, light and airy cultivation. The roots are very sensitive to wet substrate/soils. For cultivation allow for the pots to dry thoroughly between irrigations. For early forcing in spring supplemental lighting is required for a good plant quality.