Four Star Culture Guide - 2019 - 30

ISOTOMA (LAURENTIA)
Beth's Blue®

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 - 70 F
Holding: 55 - 65 F
WATERING
Maintain moderate soil moisture. Allow the soil to cycle from
moist to slightly dry. Avoid both severe dry downs/wilting and
long periods of wet soil. This is especially true if growing at
cooler temperatures. Growing too wet early in the production
cycle, watering too late in the day, or watering during poor
weather conditions may cause disease issues.
TIMING
4" - 5"/Grande™: 5 - 6 weeks with one 104 Liner plant.
6"/1GL Royale™: 7 - 9 weeks with one to two 104 Liner plants.
8": 8 - 10 weeks with one to two 104 Liner plants.
10": 10 - 12 weeks with three to five 104 Liner plants.
PLANTING
The 104 Liner plants should be planted slightly deeper than
the liner root ball 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. The 104 Liner plants arrive already
pinched and additional pinching should not be needed.
LIGHT/LIGHTING
Beth's Blue® should be grown in a high light area of the
greenhouse for optimal plant development and flowering time.
Additional lighting is not required for flowering in most areas
of the U.S. for mid-May and later finished dates. If finishing
in northern areas of the U.S. for late April through early May
finish, daylength extension or night interruption lighting similar
to that used with mums can be helpful for desired flowering.

GROWTH REGULATORS
Beth's Blue should not require any PGR treatments if growing
recommendations are followed. If needed, a spray application
of B-Nine® (daminozide) at 1,250ppm - 1,500ppm is effective.
PEST and DISEASE MANAGEMENT
There should be little instance of disease if basic cultural
guidelines are followed. Botrytis and root rot can occur in poor
growing conditions if higher than recommended soil moisture
levels are maintained. Avoid watering late in the day or in poor
weather conditions. Extended periods of moisture on the foliage
can lead to Botrytis issues. Control excessive humidity levels in
the greenhouse and provide adequate air movement and space.
Thrips are the primary pest on Beth's Blue. They can damage
both blooms and foliage from their feeding activity. Other
possible pests would be Aphids and Whiteflies. Scout crops on
a regular basis and use control measures as needed.
OUTDOOR GROWING SCHEDULE
Beth's Blue can be finished outdoors in the first-to-moveoutdoors crop grouping. But the much cooler average growing
temperatures of growing outdoors in much of the U.S. can
greatly delay flowering. Due to the risk of delayed flowering,
here at Four Star (Michigan) we would consider moving these
plants outdoors in mid- to late May if weather allows.
OTHER TIPS
Provide a high light growing environment. For optimum flower
timing, grow at moderate temperatures. These plants are very
cold-tolerant but lower growing temperatures, especially in
earlier spring, will delay flowering. Provide adequate spacing,
good air movement, moderate soil moisture levels, and
moderate nutrition to produce the highest quality crop. Avoid
wet foliage for extended periods of time, especially in poor
weather conditions.

Four Star Greenhouse I www.pwfourstar.com I 734-654-6420
30

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

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