Four Star Culture Guide - 2019 - 20

CUPHEA

Vermillionaire®, Fairy Dust®
NUTRITION
pH: 5.8 - 6.2
EC: .6 - .9
Constant feeding at 150ppm - 200ppm nitrogen with a fertilizer
blend selected to best match grower's water quality and soil mix
is recommended. If possible, avoid fertilizer blends containing
higher levels of ammoniacal nitrogen and phosphorus.
TEMPERATURE
Rooting out: 65 - 72 F
Growing on: 68 - 75 F
Holding: 65 - 70 F
WATERING
Maintain moderate soil moisture levels. Once rooted into finished
container, allow the soil to cycle from moist to slightly dry before
irrigating again. Avoid severe plant stress, such as dry downs/
wilting and long periods of wet soil, especially in poor early
growing conditions. Growing slightly drier will produce a shorter
and fuller plant with fewer, if any, PGRs needed.
TIMING
4" - 5"/Grande™: 5 - 7 weeks with one 104 cell plant.
6"/1 GL Royale™: 7 - 9 weeks with one to two 104 cell plants.
8": 8 - 10 weeks with one to two 104 cell plants.
10" - 12" Hanging Basket: 10 - 12 weeks with four to five
104 cell plants.
PLANTING
Standard 104 Liner cell plants should be planted at the same
depth or only slightly deeper than the liner cell level. Plant into a
well-drained soil mix selected to match individual water quality
and fertilizer blends. Water in thoroughly without saturating
the mix and for proper root development, maintain a constant
moderate soil moisture level for the first 7 - 10 days.
Pinching should not be required; the plants were pinched
once in the production cycle. But additional pinching can be
considered with taller material at time of planting or to shape
plants as needed.
LIGHT/LIGHTING
Cuphea should be grown in a high light area of the greenhouse.
Vermillionaire® also requires adequate spacing to avoid
unwanted stretch.

Cuphea will flower sooner and heavier under long day and
high light conditions. If production is planned for prime spring
sales, additional lighting should not be needed. But if earlier
finish dates are planned, long day lighting should be provided to
ensure earlier flowering.
GROWTH REGULATORS
If grown correctly, Fairy Dust® and Lavender Lace should not
require any PGR treatments. If needed, plants can be trimmed
lightly to shape or B-Nine® (daminozide) can be sprayed at
1,500ppm - 2,500ppm.
Vermillionaire is more vigorous. Proper growing temperatures, high
light levels, and adequate spacing will reduce the need for PGR
applications. B-Nine applied as a spray at 2,500ppm is effective.
Bonzi® (paclobutrazol) can be trialed as a drench at 1ppm.
PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT
Cuphea are relatively pest- and problem-free if grown correctly.
Scout for Aphids, Thrips, and Whiteflies. Over-watering,
especially later in the day during poor conditions, can lead to
Botrytis, Powdery Mildew, root loss, and Fungus Gnat issues.
Control humidity levels and provide adequate air movement.
OUTDOOR GROWING SCHEDULE
Cuphea finish best in controlled greenhouse environments. In
Michigan we would move crops to grow on to finish outdoors
in later May or early June. This recommendation is based
on average spring weather and should be adjusted based on
current conditions in the grower's location.
OTHER TIPS
Providing high light, proper temperatures, moderately moist
to slightly dry soil moisture levels, and adequate spacing will
produce the best crops and lower the need for PGR treatments.
Control soil moisture and fertility levels early in the growing
cycle and especially with earlier season crops to avoid root
stress and disease issues.
Crops can be grown or held cooler than listed, but additional
crop time is required for finishing the crop, and soil moisture and
fertility levels must be managed carefully.

Four Star Greenhouse I www.pwfourstar.com I 734-654-6420
20

The rates and chemicals listed are based on our southeast Michigan growing conditions, and are not recommended for nationwide application.
Please adjust the rates and spray applications to your location and facility.

http://www.pwfourstar.com

Four Star Culture Guide - 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Four Star Culture Guide - 2019