Four Star Culture Guide - 2019 - 29

IPOMOEA lllusion , Sweet Caroline,
®

Sweetheart, Standard

NUTRITION
pH: 6.0 - 6.5
EC: (2:1 extraction method) .6 - .9
Constant feeding at 150ppm - 200ppm nitrogen with a fertilizer
selected for grower's water quality and soil mix is recommended.
TEMPERATURE
Rooting out: 65 - 72 F
Growing on: 65 - 72 F
Holding: 60 - 65 F
WATERING
Maintain moderate soil moisture. Allow the soil to cycle from
moist to dry. Avoid both severe dry downs/wilting and long
periods of wet soil, especially at cooler temperatures.
TIMING
4" - 5"/Grande™: 4 - 6 weeks with one 104 Liner plant.
6"/1GL Royale™: 6 - 8 weeks with one 104 Liner plant.
8": 8 - 9 weeks with one 104 Liner plant.
10" - 12" Hanging Basket: 7 - 10 weeks with three to five
104 Liner plants.
PLANTING
The 104 Liner plants should be planted into a well-drained soil
mix selected to match individual water quality and fertilizer
blends. Water in thoroughly without saturating the mix and
maintain a constant moderate soil moisture level for the first
seven to 10 days to establish new rooting. Plants are not
pinched and it should not be needed, except for taller material
at planting or a pinch for larger containers, usually two to three
weeks after planting.
LIGHT/LIGHTING
These plants should be grown in a high to moderate light area
of the greenhouse for optimal plant development.
GROWTH REGULATORS
Plant growth regulators may not be needed if grown under
recommended conditions. B-Nine® (daminozide) is effective as a
spray applied at 2,500ppm. There are considerable variations in
vigor between the Ipomoea varieties:

* Sweet Carolines are well suited for small containers and
perform well in combinations as a less vigorous option.
Bewitched are more upright and less vigorous than Sweet
Carolines.
* Sweet Caroline Sweethearts are "heart shaped" and more
vigorous than Sweet Carolines, but less so than Proven
Selections®.
* Illusion® are more vigorous, "globe" shaped and less trailing
than others. Garnet Lace (the most vigorous of the three)
trails more than Emerald Lace or Midnight Lace. They can
be produced in small containers or larger containers and
combinations.
* Margarita is the most vigorous of the Proven Selections types,
followed by Black Heart, Blackie, and Tricolor as least vigorous.
PEST and DISEASE MANAGEMENT
There should be little instance of disease if basic cultural
guidelines are followed. Proper temperature, light levels,
humidity levels, air movement, and water management will
eliminate most disease issues. A broad spectrum fungicide such
as Banrot® (etridiazole plus thiophanate-methyl) can be applied
at transplant if desired. In poor growing conditions Botrytis,
leaf spotting, or Oedema can develop. Whiteflies, Thrips, Spider
Mites, and Aphids can be pests of concern. Scout weekly and
use proper IPM measures.
OTHER TIPS
* For easier care, group the plants in the greenhouse based on
plant vigor as listed in the Growth Regulators section.
* Water properly in low light, cool temperature, and high
humidity. Avoid prolonged periods of water on foliage
(bacterial and fungal spotting can occur). This is more
prevalent on dark leaved types. Black Heart is the most
sensitive. Control relative humidity, temperature and soil
moisture levels, and provide good air movement to avoid
Oedema and "purpling" of foliage. Blackie is the first to show
this problem.
* Ipomoeas finish best in a controlled greenhouse environment,
but can be moved outdoors after all threat of frost has passed
(late May to early June in Michigan). This recommendation is
based on average spring weather and should be adjusted for
unseasonably severe or unseasonably mild conditions.

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.

Four Star Culture Guide - 2019

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