Trollius Golden Queen

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Perennial

Familiy, Origin:Ranunculaceae, China

Sitelocation:Full sun – partial shade

Crop Time:Plug crop: 14-16 weeks Green pots: 30-34 weeks Flowering pots: 12-14 months, including vernalization Cut flower production: 2-3 years

Seed Form:ApeX Seed and Raw Seed

Seed Count:0 K/g

Sowing Method:3-5 seeds per plug

Germination:1-2 weeks at 18-22 °C 4-5 weeks at 0-5 °C 1 week at 5-10 °C Following at 12-15 °C in media with low soluble salt levels and pH: 5.5-6.5. ApeX Seed can be sown and cultivated at +20 °C for fast germination. Cold germinator. Cover seed with vermiculite, sand or substrate after sowing. Keep soil moist but not wet. For the chilling period try to cool the seed in the cold store-room (4-6 weeks) or during winter outdoors. Avoid direct sunlight by shading seed after sowing.

Plug Culture:From Stage II* do not reduce the soil moisture, because the roots are very sensitive to dry substrates. 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:3-4 weeks after germination transplant 1 plant per plug tray (3x3 cm) and 6-8 weeks later transplant 1 plant into a pot (7-10 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 at a later time. Plant cut flowers (frost free) in 30-40 x 30-40 cm space.

Media:Use a well-drained, growing perennial substrate with 0-15 % clay, 0-15 % parts (e.g. bark, wood fibres), 1-1,5 kg/m3 complete balanced fertilizer, 0-3 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 nutrition level and moisture.

Photoperiod / Light:Long day plant. Keep light level high. In winter and in spring supplemental lighting is recommended for good plant quality.

Temperature:Grow at 10-18 °C or outdoors. In winter indoors frost free at 3-5 °C or outdoors. For wintering the root development in pots should be very good. In spring the plants start to grow at 10-15 °C. A chilling period (vernalization) is required for flower initiation. For cut flower production the plants can also be brought to flower earlier in the polytunnel.

Fertilization:Moderate-high fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 100-150 ppm nitrogen (at 3 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer in substrate), using alternating a calcium nitrate fertilizer and a 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 100-150 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. Field: If necessary according to analysis, improve the soil with 60-80 g/m2 of a slow release fertilizer, applied in several portions.

Cultural Hints:Trollius is poisonous. The roots are very sensitive to dry soils and drought stress can a cause for necrosis on leaves edges. Trollius has a high water demand and prefers moist to wet locations (e. g. pond edges, marsh).