Sidalcea Partygirl

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Perennial, FastraX Perennial

Familiy, Origin:Malvaceae, North America

Sitelocation:Full sun

Crop Time:Plug crop: 8-10 weeks Green pots: 14-16 weeks Flowering pots: 22-24 weeks, annual production is possible Flowering pots: 10-12 months, including wintering Cut flower production: 3-4 years

Seed Form:ApeX Seed and Raw Seed

Seed Count:0 K/g

Sowing Method:4-5 seeds per plug

Germination:21-40 days at 18 °C in media with very low soluble salt levels and pH: 5.0-7.0. Cover seed with vermiculite, sand or substrate after sowing. Keep soil slightly moist but not wet.

Plug Culture:From Stage II* reduce the soil moisture, but the plug should not dry out and reduce the temperature to 16 °C. 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 and Stage IV fertilization levels can be increased to 150 ppm.

Growing On:3-4 weeks after germination transplant 1 plant per plug tray (4x4 cm) and 3-4 weeks later transplant 1 plant into a pot (8-10 cm), 2-3 plants into a bigger pot (11-15 cm) or container (3-5 l). After transplanting keep the tray, because it is possible that more seeds germinate later time. For flowering pot production ensure good pot size, to encourage root growth, thus improving plant quality. Plant cut flowers (frost free) in 30x40 cm space and use nets to keep the stems upright.

Media:Use a well-drained, growing perennial substrate with 0-15 % clay, 0-15 % organic parts (e.g. bark, wood fibres),1-1,5 kg/m3 complete balanced fertilizer, 1-3 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer (3-9 months), iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.0-7.0. Field: sandy to 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 h) supports the flower initiation and flower development. In winter and in early spring additional assimilation light is required. Cultivation without additional assimilation light in cold greenhouse or outdoors is possible, too. In this case the flowering is only from July onwards.

Temperature:Grow at 10-15 °C or outdoors. In winter indoors frost free at 3-5 °C or outdoors. In spring the plants start to grow for 10-12 weeks at 15-18 °C. Cold temperatures of 7-12 °C will increase the cultivation time. A chilling period (vernalization) for flower initiation is not required.

Fertilization:High fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 130-150 ppm nitrogen (at 3 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer in substrate), using potassium balanced fertilizer (N: K2O-ratio: 1:1,5. Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. 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 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.

Cultural Hints:The roots are sensitive to wet substrates. Avoid over watering and take care of a good drainage outdoors. Protect the plants outdoors against wind.