Four Star Culture Guide - 2019 - 67

HEUCHERA and HEUCHERELLA
Dolce®, Primo®, Fun and Games®
ZONE HARDINESS 4 - 9
NUTRITION
pH: 5.8 - 6.5
EC: (2:1 extraction method) 0.6 - 0.9
Moderate fertilization is adequate.
TEMPERATURE for forcing from liners
Forcing/Growing on: 60 F Night - 65 F Day
Holding: 50 F Night - 55 F Day
Plants can be moved outside once the danger of frost has
passed. An open environment will often strengthen the stems
and produce a better finished product.
WATERING
Keep the soil moderate during all stages of growing. These
varieties don't do well in either waterlogged or dry conditions.
During prolonged periods of dark, cold weather, growers should
take extra care when watering late in the day. It's best to water
as early in the day as possible to avoid disease.
TIMING
Supernova® 28 Liner to Trade Gallon/True Gallon: 8 - 10
weeks with one plug per container. A typical planting date
would be Week 10 for finishing in Week 18.
50 Liner to Quart: 8 - 10 weeks with one plug per container.
A typical planting date would be Week 10 for finishing in
Week 18. If planting Standard 50 liners into a gallon is desired,
it's best to do a late summer or a fall planting, and plan on a
bulk and vernalization schedule.
VERNALIZATION
No vernalization should be needed as long as flowers are not
desired. Most Heuchera and Heucherella are grown more for
foliage interest.
PLANTING
Plant in moist, well-drained medium. When planting, take care
not to bury the crown of the plant too deeply. Plant the plug
even with the surface of the growing medium.
When growing perennials, we recommend using an aged
or composted pine bark-based media as opposed to annual
growing mixes that traditionally tend to be heavier in peat. Bark

adds weight and stability to the growing mix and tends not to
compress and shrink over time, thus adding the longevity that
can be needed on long-term crops such as perennials.
LIGHT/LIGHTING
No additional light is needed during forcing of Heuchera/
Heucherella. Plants should be spaced such that they do not
shade each other. Plants grown during the summer months
should be shaded with at least 30% shade to bring out the
best color, help with heat stress and prevent sunburn and
discoloration. The light green and amber colored varieties are
often the most sensitive to high light and will burn if grown in
the full sun.
TRIMMING/PINCHING
From liners, trimming can be done before planting. Only remove
the top 1/3 of the leaves. Plants can be shaved or trimmed back
and then allowed to re-flush if needed.
GROWTH REGULATORS
A 5ppm Sumagic® (uniconazole) or a 30ppm Bonzi®
(paclobutrazol) spray is efficient at controlling height where
needed. Multiple applications may be needed at sevenday intervals on larger varieties or under warm greenhouse
conditions. Natural air or wind movement and cooler
temperatures are also effective at controlling height and
producing a high-quality crop.
PEST and DISEASE MANAGEMENT
Heuchera and Heucherella are relatively pest-free. However, if
grown in a dark, moist environment, care must be taken not to
grow in such a way that promotes Botrytis, Powdery Mildew
and Stem Rots. Again, natural air movement, good spacing and
proper environment will go a long way in controlling many of the
diseases that these varieties may develop. A broad spectrum
fungicide drench is highly recommended after transplant. Banrot®
(etridiazole plus thiophanate-methyl) or Truban® (etridiazole)/
Subdue® (mefenoxam) are both good options. Insect pressure
is often not a problem, but a good routine scouting program
is recommended to ensure that Aphids, Whiteflies, and other
greenhouse pest don't cause crop loss. Check roots because
Fungus Gnats are a problem.

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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