Verbena Novalis

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Annual

Familiy, Origin:Verbenaceae, North- and South America

Sitelocation:Full sun - partial shade

Garden Height:23 cm,9,06 inch

Crop Time:Plug crop: 8-9 weeks Flowering Pots: 12-14 weeks

Seed Form:Raw Seed

Seed Count:0 K/g

Sowing Method:2-3 seeds per plug

Germination:Stage I: 10-20 days at 24-27 °C, Stage II: 12-16 days 20-21 °C, Stage III and IV: 21-30 days at 18-20 °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 100-150 ppm.

Growing On:6-7 weeks after germination transplant 1-2 plant into a pack or pot (8 cm) and 3 plants into a bigger pot (12-15 l) or into a bowl (25-30 cm).

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.

Photoperiod / Light:Optional long day plant. Keep the light level high, because high light intensity and long day (14-16 h) improve the vegetative growth, the flowering and decrease the cultivation time. 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 16-18 °C. For early selling the plants should be hardened slowly at 10-15 °C for 14 days. Verbena hybrida does not tolerate frost.

Fertilization:Moderate fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 150-200 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 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.

Cultural Hints:Dry, light and airy cultivation. Don't produce the pot plants too close. Pinch the plant tops (1-2 times) for a better branching and a more compact plant habit, but this increases the cultivation time by 2-3 weeks.