Four Star Culture Guide - 2019 - 3

AGERATUM
Artist®

NUTRITION
pH: 5.8 - 6.2
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: 50 - 60 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. Growing
at lower moisture levels can be beneficial towards producing a
more compact blooming plant with fewer PGRs required. This
practice can also be used to help "hold" plants.
TIMING
4" - 5"/Grande™: 4 - 5 weeks with one 104 Liner plant.
6"/1GL Royale™: 6 - 7 weeks with one 104 Liner plant.
8": 4 - 9 weeks with one to three 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 have already
been pinched and further pinching should not be needed, except
in the case of taller material at time of planting or a second
pinch on plants for larger containers. This second pinch can
be given for larger containers, usually two to four weeks after
planting.

LIGHT/LIGHTING
These plants should be grown in a high light area of the
greenhouse for optimal flowering and plant development.
Artist® Ageratums flower very early and supplemental lighting
should not be required for early spring flowering.
GROWTH REGULATORS
If required, either a light spray of Sumagic® (uniconazole) at
2ppm - 5ppm or a more thorough application (just to the point
of runoff) of B-Nine® (daminozide) at 2,500ppm - 5,000ppm
is effective. Other materials such as Bonzi® (paclobutrazol),
Topflor® (flurprimidol), and Piccolo® (paclobutrazol) can be
used at rates that correspond with the degree of treatment
recommended for Sumagic. Drenches should not be needed.
Cooler growing temperatures and especially drier growing
practices can be very helpful at managing plant size.
PEST and DISEASE MANAGEMENT
There should be little instance of disease if basic cultural
guidelines are followed. Whiteflies can be a pest of concern.
OUTDOOR GROWING SCHEDULE
Artist Ageratums should be grown outdoors only after the
danger of frost has passed (approximately mid- to late May in
Michigan). The foliage can be damaged from a very light frost.
This recommendation is based on average spring weather and
should be adjusted for unseasonably severe or unseasonably
mild conditions.
OTHER TIPS
The Artist Ageratums can be grown much like a seed Ageratum.
Their chief advantages are better form, continual flowering, and
much better heat tolerance.

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