Four Star Culture Guide - 2019 - 59

THUNBERGIA
A-Peel®

NUTRITION
pH: 5.8 - 6.2
EC: .6 - .9
Constant feeding at 200ppm nitrogen with a fertilizer blend
selected to best match grower's water quality and soil mix is
recommended.
TEMPERATURE
Rooting out: 65 - 72 F
Growing on: 65 - 72 F
Holding: 65 - 68 F
WATERING
Maintain moderate soil moisture levels. Once rooted into
finished container allow the soil to cycle from moist to slightly
dry before irrigating again. Avoid both severe dry downs/wilting
and long periods of wet soil, especially in poor early growing
conditions. Growing slightly drier will produce a shorter and
fuller plant with fewer PGRs needed, but undo plant stress
and wilting must be avoided. Excessive soil moisture and
high humidity in poor growing conditions can lead to oedema
symptoms.
TIMING
4" - 5"/Grande™: due to plant habit, not recommended for
small container. 5 - 7 weeks with one 104 cell plant. Sell small
and compact or grow with a small trellis.
6"/1 GL Royale™: 6 - 8 weeks with one to two 104 cell plants.
Best if grown with a trellis.
8": 7 - 9 weeks with one to two 104 cell plants. Best if grown
with a trellis.
10" - 12" Hanging Basket: 8 - 10 weeks with three to five
104 cell plants.
PLANTING
Standard 104 Liner plants should be planted at the same depth
or only slightly deeper than the liner cell level. Plant into a
well-drained soil mix selected to match individual water quality
and fertilizer blends. Water in thoroughly without saturating
the mix, and for proper root development, maintain a constant
moderate soil moisture level for the first 7 - 10 days.

A-Peels® have been pinched once during the 104 tray growing
process. Additional pinching can be considered with taller/
longer-stemmed material at time of planting or to shape plants
later in the growing cycle, especially in larger containers.
LIGHT/LIGHTING
A-Peel Thunbergia will grow and finish best in high light areas.
Lower light levels can lead to less branching, not as full growth,
and reduced or delayed flowering.
For spring finish, additional day length lighting is not required.
For very early spring sales, slightly warmer temperatures and
day length extension lighting to 14 hours per day is helpful.
GROWTH REGULATORS
To reduce the need of PGR treatments, grow A-Peels at
recommended temperatures, under bright light conditions, with
adequate spacing, and moderate soil moisture levels. If PGRs are
required, B-Nine® (daminozide) spray at 2,500ppm can be applied.
PEST and DISEASE MANAGEMENT
A-Peel Thunbergia are relatively disease free if grown correctly.
In low light, cool, wet, and humid conditions, oedema can
develop on foliage as can Botrytis. Scout for Aphids, Thrips,
Mites, and Whiteflies. Control humidity levels and provide
adequate air movement.
OUTDOOR GROWING SCHEDULE
A-Peels finish best in controlled greenhouse environments. They
can be finished or held outdoors after all threats of frost and
cold temperatures have lapsed. In Michigan this would usually
occur in later May or early June. This recommendation is based
on average spring weather and should be adjusted based on
current conditions in the grower's location.
OTHER TIPS
Avoid wet, cool and humid conditions in poor weather.
Control humidity levels and provide adequate spacing and air
movement. Higher temperatures can produce rapid growth,
requiring additional pinching or PGR treatments. In most pot and
upright container sizes, growing with a trellis is very beneficial
and attractive. Combinations and hanging baskets with A-Peels
are very attractive and popular with consumers. Scout often for
Mites, Thrips, and Whiteflies.

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