VINCA HYBRIDA, VINCA First Kiss
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Life Cycle:Annual

Familiy, Origin:Apocynaceae, South Europe

Sitelocation:Full sun

Garden Height:23 cm, 9,06 inch

Flower Size:6 cm, 2,36 inch

Crop Time:Plug crop: 5-6 weeks; Flowering pots: 12-14 weeks depending on light intensity and warm temperatures

Seed Form:Raw Seed

Seed Count:700 K/g

Sowing Time:February-March for flowering in pots from June onwards

Sowing Method:1-3 seeds per plug

Germination:Stage I: 7-14 day at 24-27 °C; Stage II: 7-10 day at 22-24 °C; Stage III: 15-20 days 20-23 °C; Stage IV: 20-21 °C, in media with very low soluble salt levels and pH: 5.5-5.8. Before sowing treat substrate with fungicide. Cover seed lightly with vermiculite after sowing. Keep soil slightly moist but not wet.

Plug Culture:From Stage II reduce the soil moisture, but the plug should not dry out. Do not let soluble salt level rise above 0,75 EC. The roots are sensitive to high salt levels. Start fertilization at 50-75 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 1 plant into a pot (9 cm) or packs and 3 plants into a bigger pot (11-12 cm).

Media:Use a well-drained, growing perennial substrate with 15-30 % clay, 0-20 % parts (e.g. perlite),1-1,5 kg/m3 complete balanced fertilizer, iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.5-5.8.

Photoperiod/ Light:Day length neutral plants. Keep light levels high for a good plant quality. In winter and in early spring additional assimilation light is required. In summer protect the plants against high sun intensity by shading.

Temperature:Grow at 21-24 °C during daytime and at 18-20 °C during night. Temperatures below 16 °C will inhibit the growth and are cause for yellow leaves. Vinca does not tolerate frost.

Fertilization:Moderate fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 150-200 ppm nitrogen, using a potassium balanced fertilizer (N: K2O-ratio: 1:1,5). Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. Prevent magnesium deficiency by applying magnesium sulphate (0,025 %) 1-2 times and in case of iron deficiency apply iron-chelate for 1-2 times. The roots are sensitive to high salt levels in substrates. Avoid high fertilizer concentrations, it is advisable to fertilize several times with low concentrations weekly.