Veronica Teucrium Royal

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Perennial

Familiy, Origin:Scrophulariaceae, Mid-Europe, South-East-Europe, North Asia

Sitelocation:Full sun - partial shade

Garden Height:30 cm,11,81 inch

Natural flowertime:June - July

Crop Time:Plug crop: 4-5 weeks; Green pots: 6-8 weeks; Flowering pots: 8-10 months, including vernalization; Cut flower production: 3-4 years

Sell Period:May-October

Seed Form:Raw Seed

Seed Count:4762 K/g

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

Germination:7-14 days at 18-24 °C, in media with very low soluble salt levels and pH: 5.8-7.5. 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 0,5 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 sowing transplant 1 plant into a pot (8-15 cm) or packs and 1-2 plants into a container (3-5 l). After transplanting keep the tray, because it is possible that more seeds germinate at a later time. For flowering pot production ensure good pot size, to encourage root growth, thus improving plant quality. Plant cut flowers (frost free) in 35-40 x 30-35 cm space and use nets to keep the stems upright. Protect the young plants against frost of night.

Media:Use a well-drained, growing substrate with 15-30 % clay, 0-20 % parts (e.g. bark, wood fibres, sand), 1,5-3 kg/m3 complete balanced fertilizer, 0-2 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer (3-9 months), iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.8-7.5. Field: humus, loamy sandy soils with good drainage. Standard fertilization: 60-80 g/m2 of a slow release fertilizer.

Photoperiod / Light:Long day plants. Keep light level high. The long day (14 h) and high light intensity promote the flower initiation and the flower development. In winter and in early spring additional assimilation (30-50 klx) light is required. Light deficiency is a cause for shoot stretching.

Temperature:Grow at 12-18 °C during daytime and at 10-13 °C during night. Cultivation outdoors is possible. In winter indoors frost free at 3-5 °C or outdoors. Outdoors fleece cover or mulch cover needed. In spring the plants start to grow for 8-10 weeks at 15-18 °C. Cold temperatures of 8-13 °C will increase the cultivation time. A chilling period (vernalization) for 10 weeks at 5 °C is required for flower initiation. Veronica can also be brought to flower earlier at 10-12 °C in polytunnel.

Fertilization:Moderate fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 100-150 ppm nitrogen (at 2 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer in substrate), using a complete balanced fertilizer. Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. Don't fertilize after mid September. In spring fertilize 100-150 ppm nitrogen of a potassium balanced fertilizer (N: K2O-ratio: 1:1,5). 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 60-80 g/m2 of a slow release fertilizer, applied in several portions. Take care of a good micronutrition supply.

Cut Flowers:Cut flower stems can be harvested, when 20-30 % of the flowers per spike are open. Vase life: 8-14 days.

Cultural Hints:Take care of a constant water and nutrition supply, because water deficiency can be a cause for a poor plant quality. Pinch the plant tops for a better branching and more compact plant habit. Pinching is especially recommended for flowering pot and container plant production.