Four Star Culture Guide - 2019 - 58

SUTERA (BACOPA)
Snowstorm®

NUTRITION
pH: 5.5 - 5.8
EC: (2:1 extraction method) .6 - .9
Feed constantly at 150ppm - 200ppm nitrogen with a fertilizer
selected for grower's water quality and soil mix.
TEMPERATURE
Rooting out: 65 - 72 F
Growing on: 65 - 72 F
Holding: 55 - 60 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, especially at cooler temperatures.
Suteras (Bacopa) often do not "wilt" when extremely
dry. When too dry, their foliage normally turns from a
lighter lush green appearance to a duller and darker
appearance. Upon closer inspection, the foliage will show a
withered appearance. Severe dry downs will lead to flower loss
and possible root and stem disease. Excessive soil moisture can
often lead to Botrytis and stem diseases.
TIMING
4" - 5"/Grande™: 4 - 5 weeks with one 104 Liner plant.
6"/1GL Royale™: 6 - 7 weeks with one 104 Liner plant.
8": 7 - 9 weeks with one 104 Liner plant.
10" - 12" Hanging Basket: 9 - 11 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 have already
been pinched once during the production cycle. 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 two to four weeks after
planting.

LIGHT/LIGHTING
These plants should be grown in a medium to high light area
of the greenhouse for optimal plant development. Additional
lighting or daylength manipulation is not required.
GROWTH REGULATORS
If required, a spray application of B-Nine® (daminozide) at
500ppm is effective. Other materials such as Sumagic®
(uniconazole), Bonzi® (paclobutrazol), Topflor® (flurprimidol), and
Piccolo® (paclobutrazol) can be trialed, but Suteras are quite
responsive to PGRs, and care should be given when using these
"more powerful" products. Cooler growing temperatures and
higher light quality can be very helpful at managing plant size.
Also, plants can be trimmed/shaped as needed to control size
and appearance.
PGR requirements vary greatly by variety. For best performance,
grow plants together in these groups:
1) Snowstorm® Giant Snowflake® is the most vigorous and
should require the most PGR attention. Additional space and
watering will also be required.
2) Snowstorm Blue and Pink should require less water and
fewer PGRs than Giant Snowflake.
3) Snowstorm® Snow Globe® should require little, if any, PGR
applications. It is less vigorous, especially early in production,
and is not nearly as trailing as the other Sutera varieties.
PEST and DISEASE MANAGEMENT
Follow basic cultural guidelines to avoid disease. Whiteflies,
Thrips, and Spider Mites can be pests of concern.
OUTDOOR GROWING SCHEDULE
Sutera should be grown outdoors only after the danger of
frost has passed (mid- to late May in Michigan). The foliage can
be damaged from a very light frost.
OTHER TIPS
* Proper water management is very helpful to produce a quality
plant. Avoid both extended periods of wet soil and severe dry
downs. Scout for Thrips, Whiteflies, and Spider Mites. Provide
proper humidity control and air movement. Tone with B-Nine.
* For combinations, select Sutera varieties that match the vigor
of the other plants in the combination.

Four Star Greenhouse I www.pwfourstar.com I 734-654-6420
58

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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