Tanacetum Snow Crown

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Annual

Familiy, Origin:Asteraceae, Near East

Sitelocation:Full sun - partial shade

Garden Height:50 cm,19,69 inch

Flower Size:1,5 cm? 0,59 inch

Crop Time:Plug crop: 6-8 weeks; Flowering pots: 14-16 weeks, depending on temperature; Cut flower production: 20-24 weeks

Sell Period:youngplants May-June

Seed Form:Raw Seed

Seed Count:7143 K/g

Sowing Method:3-5 seeds per plug, can be sown directly into final pot / field

Germination:7-12 days at 20-22 °C, in media with very low soluble salt levels and pH: 5.0-6.5. 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 and reduce the temperature to 16-18 °C. Do not let soluble salt level rise above 0,75 EC. Start fertilization at 75 ppm nitrogen in a well balanced formula. During Stage III and Stage IV fertilization levels can be increased to 150-200 ppm.

Growing On:4-5 weeks after sowing transplant 3 plants into a pot (8-9 cm) and 4-5 plants into a bigger pot (10-12 cm). Plant cut flowers (frost free) in 25-30 x 25-30 cm space and use nets to keep the stems upright.

Media:Use a well-drained, growing substrate with 20-30 % clay, 1-1,5 kg/m3 complete balanced fertilizer, iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.0-6.5. Field: humus, sandy loamy soils with good drainage. Standard fertilization: 80-100 g/m2 of a slow release fertilizer. Before planting disinfect the soil.

Photoperiod / Light:Long day plants. Keep light level high. The long day (12-16 h) and high light intensity support the flower initiation and flower development. In winter and in early spring additional assimilation light is required.

Temperature:Grow at 16-18 °C during daytime and at 10-13 °C during night or outdoors. In pot plant production keep cold temperatures for a good compact plant habit, but this will increase the cultivation time. T. parthenium tolerate low frost temperatures, but protect just planted young plants against frost by fleece or foil.

Fertilization:High fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 200-250 ppm nitrogen, using complete balanced fertilizer. Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. When buds are visible, then use a potassium fertilizer with 200-250 ppm nitrogen (N: K2O-ratio: 1:1,5). 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 1-2 times. Field: N min soil value: approximately 120 g/m2.

Cut Flowers:Cut flower stems can be harvested, when 70 % of the flowers are open. Remove the bottom leaves and put the stems in water immediately. Vase life: 8-12 days. Cold storage is possible.

Cultural Hints:Cultivate rather dry and avoid wetness. After transplanting treat the substrate with fungicide against Botrytis.