Calitunia

Calitunia®

Calibrachoa/Petunia hybrid

Calitunia has the vigorous growth habit and lush foliage of vegetative petunias combined with the flower form of a Calibrachoa.


Figure 1 Flower Form of a Calibrachoa	Figure 2 Petunia Habit

Calitunia are well suited for a variety of container sizes from 4”-10” pots and hanging baskets. Typical crop time is 8-14 weeks including time in propagation.

Calitunia are available from the Paul Ecke Ranch as an unrooted or rooted cutting.

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In the Greenhouse…….

Propagation
Calitunia can be propagated in various tray sizes including 72, 84, and 105’s. Stick one cutting per cell.

Media

Choose a well-drained aerated propagation media.

Avoid media containing peat moss which will hold too much water.

Choose a blended media with other components or inorganic media such as Oasis® or Rockwool®.

Bottom Heat

Bottom heat will promote healthy root development.
Maintain bottom heat at 70-75°F/21-24°C.
Mist will cool the media temperature. Monitor media temperature closely and frequently.

Rooting Hormones

Calitunia roots easily without the use of rooting hormone. However, time to root and uniformity in rooting may be improved with use of a hormone.
Colorburst Pro White will benefit from the use of a hormone.
Either liquid or powder formulations work equally well. Choose a product with up to 2500 ppm IBA or up to 500 ppm NAA.

Misting

Average days with mist vary from 6-9 days depending on environmental conditions in the greenhouse.
Mist cuttings so they remain turgid but avoid over misting that results in saturated media.
Over misting will result in slow rooting and possible problems with root rot and botrytis.
Mist should be eliminated or significantly reduced as roots form.

Pinching

Calitunia can be pinched in propagation if stretch becomes an issue. Pinch cuttings in the third week.

Fertility

Fertilize once weekly with 250 ppm 21-7-7 beginning 2 weeks after sticking.
Calibrachoa are pH sensitive. Closely monitor media pH and maintain between 5.5-6.0. E.C. should be between 1.5-2.0.

Growth Regulating

Avoid holding Calitunia over in propagation to avoid stretch. If PGRs are necessary Calitunia responds to a B-Nine® spray at 1500 ppm.

Propagation Cycle: 4 weeks

Growing ON……….

Media
Choose a media with the following traits:

Good aeration
Porosity between 5-15%
Sterile

Irrigation/Fertilization

Avoid excess irrigation and fertilization while plants are establishing which can lead to slow root development. Once plants have established do not allow to dry excessively which will result in damage to foliage and flowers.
Fertilizer Regime

Begin fertilizing 2 weeks after transplant.
Choose a complete balanced fertilizer complete with minor elements.
Apply 220-250 ppm constant liquid feed.
Additional iron may be needed – apply as iron chelate or iron sulfate (always rinse foliage when using iron sulfate).
A slow release product may also be used to supplement a constant liquid feed program and may provide improved performance for the consumer.

Maintain pH between 5.5-6.0
Optimum EC is 2.5 to 2.8 mmhos. Provide periodic clear water application if excess salts accumulate.

For a link to pictures of different nutrient deficiencies and corrective measures on Calibrachoa click here: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/floriculture/def/

Temperature/Humidity
Calitunia can be grown successfully at a wide range of temperatures but for best results the crop should be established warm. As root growth and top growth begins temperatures can be reduced.

Temperature regime:

Establishing temperature: 60°F/15°C average daily temperature

Temperatures for growing on: 65-70°F/18-21°C day and 60-65°F/15-18°C night
At lower temperatures:

Flowering is encouraged.

At warmer temperatures:

Excess vegetative growth may be an issue and flowering won’t be as prolific.

Relative Humidity:

Maintain relative humidity below 70% and provide good air circulation to avoid problems with botrytis.

Light
Calitunia prefer bright light.
Provide:

5000 foot candles/53,800 lux minimum
6000 foot candles/64,600 lux maximum
Calitunia are long day responsive:
- Natural flowering is late spring/summer.
- Use of supplemental light (14-16 hours, beginning at midnight) is beneficial for early spring flowering.

Spacing
Establish plants pot tight than space to:

4” pots – 5-6” centers (approximately 2 per sq. ft.)
6” pots/1 gallon – 14” centers
8” pots – 18” centers

Pinching
1st Pinch- week 3 of propagation
2nd Pinch- pinch out growing tips 1-2 weeks after transplant
Additional Pinch- to correct for stretch or time to flower additional pinches or a shear may be performed. On mature plants this will delay flowering 5-6 weeks

* In 4” containers or for a “quick turn” crop pinching is not necessary

Plant Growth Regulators

Low light, warm temperatures and positive DIF cause stretching. Use high light, cool temperatures and a slight negative DIF for optimum growth control.
Calitunia are responsive to PGRs, especially B-Nine® or Bonzi®.
Avoid spraying when flower buds appear.
Use of PGRs can delay flowering 1-2 weeks.
Apply B-Nine® at 1500 ppm 2-4 weeks after transplant (at least one week after pinch). Repeat applications as needed. Rates may be increased to 2500 ppm if more growth control is required.
In the warm Southeast region of the United States, Bonzi® drenches applied at 4 ppm three weeks after transplant work well. Lower rates should be used in other regions.

Insect and Disease Concerns
Insects

Aphids
Caterpillars
Fungus Gnats
Leafminer
Thrips
Whiteflies

Diseases

Botrytis
Powder Mildew
Root and stem rots
Viruses

Trouble Shooting

SYMPTOM: Yellowing of young leaves
Possible Solutions

Check that fertilizer injectors are functioning properly.
Ensure media pH is between 5.5-6.3 - adjust if necessary.
Check iron levels in soil and tissue. Supplement with iron sulfate drenches if media pH is high or with iron chelate as a spray or drench, if media pH is normal.

SYMPTOM: Yellowing of lower foliage
Possible Solutions

Check that fertilizer injectors are functioning properly.
Check for low nitrogen levels in soil and tissue.
Check E.C. levels of soil for high salts.
Check magnesium levels in soil and tissue.
Supplement with magnesium sulfate as a drench if levels are low.
Check for root or stem rot.

For a link to pictures of different nutrient deficiencies and corrective measures on Calibrachoa click here: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/floriculture/def

SYMPTOM: Delayed flowering
Possible Solutions

Supplement daylength if growing during short-day conditions of early spring. Use lights to provide 14-16 total hours of light.
Late applications of plant growth regulators can cause flower delay. Avoid treatment once buds are visible.

For recommended chemical controls for disease and insects please consult The Flower Fields Federal Disease Control Chart (463K) and The Flower Fields Federal Insect & Mite Control Chart (541K) at www.ecke.com. Always consult the chemical’s label for rates, mixing instructions and restrictions.

CROP SCHEDULING

Product Form	# Liners per pot	*Total crop time (weeks)**
4”/quart	1	4-7
6”/gallon	1-2	6-10
10”/HB	3-4	7-11

If you have questions about Calitunia in production please post your question on our live bulletin board at www.EckeRanchTechHelp.com or call 760-753-1134 and choose option#3 for Technical Support.

We hope the information provided will be helpful. It is based upon data and knowledge (including information provided by the recipient) considered to be true and accurate, but without independent investigation and is offered for the recipient's consideration, investigation and verification, but we do not warrant the results to be obtained. Please read all statement, recommendations, or suggestions in conjunction with any conditions of sale or use which apply to any products, or systems recommended by us. No statement, recommendation, or suggestion is intended for any use which would infringe any patent/copyright.