Four Star Culture Guide - 2019 - 24

GOMPHRENA

Truffula™, Forest™, Lil Forest™
NUTRITION
pH: 5.8 - 6.2
EC: .6 - 1.0
Constant feeding at 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.

PLANTING
Standard 104 Liner 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.

TEMPERATURE
Rooting out: 65 - 72 F
Growing on: 65 - 70 F
Holding: 55 - 60 F

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.

* To avoid unwanted stretch in Truffula™ Pink and Forest™
Gomphrena, growing temperatures can be lowered to
55 - 65 F once fully rooted in the finished container. In most
cases, two additional weeks of crop time will be required.

LIGHT/LIGHTING
Gomphrena should be grown in a high light area of the
greenhouse. Truffula Pink and Forest types also require
adequate spacing to avoid unwanted stretch.

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 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 PGRs needed, but avoid severe plant
stress.

Gomphrena flower sooner and heavier under long day
conditions. If production is planned for prime late April or early
May spring sales, additional lighting should not be needed.
But, if earlier finish dates are planned, or day length extension
lighting is available, long-day lighting should be provided to
ensure earlier flowering.

TIMING
4" - 5"/Grande™: 6 - 7 weeks with one 104 cell plant.
6"/1 GL Royale™: 9 - 11 weeks with one to two 104 cell plants.
8": 9 - 12 weeks with one to two 104 cell plants.
10" - 12" Hanging Basket: 10 - 12 weeks with four to five
104 cell plants.
*Truffula Pink SuperNova 52s are currently in final trials to
shorten crop times and especially for easier finish in Grande
containers.

GROWTH REGULATORS
If grown correctly, Lil Forest types should not require any
PGR treatments. If needed, a low dose of 1ppm Bonzi®
(paclobutrazol) can be applied as a drench or a spray of
Sumagic® (uniconazole) at 5ppm - 10ppm can be applied.
Truffula Pink and Forest types require more PGR attention.
Especially in smaller containers drenching with Bonzi at
2ppm - 4ppm once plants are fully rooted (10 days after
planting) can be very helpful. Sumagic sprays of 5ppm - 10ppm
are also effective.
* Avoid repeated PGR sprays, or flowering delay may occur.
* Growing at proper temperatures, providing high light
conditions, controlling humidity levels, and providing adequate
space will help control plant height a great deal.

Four Star Greenhouse I www.pwfourstar.com I 734-654-6420
24

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