Verbena Bonariensis Finesse

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Annual

Familiy, Origin:Verbenaceae, North- and South America

Sitelocation:Full sun - partial shade

Garden Height:120 cm,47,24 inch

Natural flowertime:July - October

Crop Time:Plug crop: 9-10 weeks; Flowering Pots: 12-14 weeks; Cut flower production:16-20 weeks

Sell Period:May-June

Seed Form:Raw Seed

Seed Count:4000 K/g

Sowing Method:3-5 seeds per plug

Germination:5-10 days at 21-24 °C, in media with low soluble salt levels and pH: 5.5-6.0. Before sowing treat the substrate with fungicide. Soak seeds in water for 24 h before sowing. Cover seed with vermiculite, sand or substrate after sowing and cover the plug trays with black foil that is permeable for air. The moisture control is very important for a successful germination. Verbena germinates best in media that are slightly moist to dry. After sowing do not irrigate the seeds again and avoid wet substrates.

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 50-75 ppm nitrogen in a well balanced formula. During Stage III and Stage IV fertilization levels can be increased up to 200-250 ppm.

Growing On:5-7 weeks after sowing transplant 1-2 plant into a pack or pot (8-11 cm) and 3 plants into a bigger pot (12-15 l) or into a bowl (25-30 cm). Plant cut flowers (frost free) in 25x25 cm space and use nets to keep the stems upright. Protect the plants against frost at night.

Media:Use a well-drained, growing substrate with 20-30 % clay, 1-1,5 kg/m3 complete balanced fertilizer, 0-2 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer (3-6 months), iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.5-6.0. Field: humus, sandy loamy soils with good drainage. If necessary improve the soil with peat. Standard fertilization: 60- 80 g/m2 of a slow release fertilizer.

Photoperiod / Light:Optional long day plant. Keep the light level high, because high light intensity and long day improve the flowering and decrease the cultivation time. Short days (below 12 h) in plug stages are a cause for quick vegetative growth. Afterwards keep long day (14-16 h) for flower initiation and flower development. Night interruption is possible. In winter and in early spring additional assimilation light will improve the growth and plant quality. Light deficiency is a cause for shoot stretching and for delayed flowering.

Temperature:Grow at 14-18 °C. For early selling the plants should be hardened slowly at 10-12 °C for 14 days. Verbena does not tolerate frost.

Fertilization:High fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 200-250 ppm nitrogen (at 0 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. Take care of a good potassium level in substrate. A good potassium nutrition decreases the risk of fungi infection, because the plant tissues get a high stability. The colour of the foliage and flowers is improved, too. 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.

Cut Flowers:Cut flower stems can be harvested, when the small flowers outside are just open. Vase life: 8-10 days. Cold storage is possible.

Cultural Hints:Dry, light and airy cultivation. Avoid that the plants are growing on each other during cultivation. Remove the faded flowers for a better following flowering.