Four Star Culture Guide - 2019 - 47

PELARGONIUM (GERANIUM)
Timeless™

NUTRITION
pH: 5.8 - 6.2
EC: (2:1 extraction method) .8 - 1.1
Feed constantly at 200ppm - 250ppm nitrogen with a fertilizer
selected for grower's water quality and soil mix.
TEMPERATURE
Rooting out: 68 - 72 F
Growing on: 68 - 72 F
Holding: 62 - 65 F
WATERING
Maintain moderate to slightly dry soil moisture. Allow the soil
to cycle from moist to lightly dry levels. Avoid both severe dry
downs and long periods of wet soil, especially in poor weather
conditions. Also avoid excessive soil moisture levels with
freshly transplanted plants.
TIMING
4" - 5"/Grande™: 5 - 6 weeks with one 75 cell plant.
6"/1GL Royale™: 7 - 8 weeks with one 75 cell plant.
8": 9 - 10 weeks with one 75 cell plant.
10" - 12" Hanging Basket: 10 - 12 weeks with three to five
75 cell plants.
PLANTING
The 75 Liner plants should be planted into a well-drained soil
mix selected to match individual water quality and fertilizer
blends. Plant the liners slightly below the soil level of the 75
cell plug. Water in thoroughly without saturating and maintain
a constant moderate soil moisture level for the first seven to 10
days to establish roots. Pinching should not be needed except
for taller material at planting.
LIGHT/LIGHTING
Timeless™ Geraniums should be grown in a moderate to high
light area of the greenhouse for optimal flowering and plant
development. Reduced light levels will delay flowering time and
flower coverage, and affect overall plant quality.

GROWTH REGULATORS
Growing on the moderate to slightly dry side will produce a
plant that requires fewer PGR treatments. If required, a tank
mix spray application of B-Nine® (daminozide) at 1,250ppm and
Cycocel® (chlormequat) at 750ppm is recommended. Higher
rates can be used, up to 2,500ppm B-Nine and 1,000ppm
Cycocel, based on plant growth and temperatures.
Geraniums are quite responsive to Florel® (ethephon) at
350ppm. It controls size early in the crop cycle and also
encourages additional branching. The 75 Liners have been
treated during their growing cycle and only larger containers
with longer crop times should be considered for additional Florel
treatments. Treatments for larger containers can be considered
two to three weeks after transplanting, when the plants are
well rooted and actively growing. No Florel treatment should be
made later than six to eight weeks before planned sale.
PEST and DISEASE MANAGEMENT
There should be little instance of disease if basic cultural
guidelines are followed. Over-watering can lead to Botrytis,
Stem Rot, or Fungus Gnat issues. Control humidity levels,
supply moderate to high light, provide adequate spacing, grow
at moderate soil moisture levels, keep water off foliage in
poor weather conditions, and provide adequate air movement.
Aphids, Thrips, and Whiteflies can be pests of concern and
crops should be scouted on a regular basis.
OUTDOOR GROWING SCHEDULE
Timeless Pelargoniums 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).
OTHER TIPS
* Maintain proper soil pH levels of 5.8 - 6.2. Higher soil pH
levels can lead to iron deficiency symptoms.
* Provide moderate to high light levels, grow on the slightly dry
side, and do not grow too cool.
* Timeless Geraniums are quite resistant to Oedema,
but in cool and damp weather, control humidity levels,
maintain proper growing temperatures, provide good
air movement, and avoid wet soil.

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

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