Four Star Culture Guide - 2019 - 42

OSTEOSPERMUM

Soprano®, Bright Lights™
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: 60 - 70 F
Holding: 40 - 50 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 in cooler temperature, low light
and high humidity conditions. Osteospermums perform best
if grown drier than many crops.
TIMING
4" - 5"/Grande™: 5 - 7 weeks with one 104 Liner plant.
6"/1GL Royale™: 6 - 8 weeks with one 104 Liner plant.
8": 7 - 9 weeks with two to three 104 Liner plants.
10" - 12" Hanging Basket: 10 - 12 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. Pinching should
not be needed, except in the case of taller material at time of
planting or a pinch on plants for larger containers. This pinch
can be given for larger containers, usually three 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.
Soprano® and Bright Lights™ Osteospermum develop and
flower often one week later than Symphony Osteospermum,
but lighting should not be needed for regular season crops.
Daylength extension lighting of 14 to 16 hours total daylength
can be helpful for early finish crops.
GROWTH REGULATORS
Moisture management and cooler growing alone are effective
methods of controlling growth. Not only does growing Sopranos
and Bright Lights "on the dry side" produce the healthiest
plants, it also produces fuller and more compact plants. A light
spray application of 5ppm - 10ppm Sumagic® (uniconazole) or
a 1ppm Bonzi® (paclobutrazol) drench can be applied, if needed.
Watch for the "softening" look and lighter green appearance
of new growth as an indication for PGR treatment needs.
Soprano and Bright Lights Osteospermum are more upright
than Symphony types and can get tall if crop times are too long
or growing environment needs are not met. In more northern
areas, the lower rates should be used as a starting base,
while in more southern areas, the higher rates will probably
be needed. Other materials such as Topflor® (flurprimidol) and
Piccolo® (paclobutrazol) can be used at rates that correspond
with the degree of treatment recommended for Sumagic or
Bonzi.
Watering practices, weather and greenhouse environment can
greatly affect plant growth and performance.

Four Star Greenhouse I www.pwfourstar.com I 734-654-6420
42

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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