Argyranthemum

Comet™, Meteor™, Summersong™, & Twinkle™ (Argyranthemum fructescens)

The Comets are an upright mounded Argyranthemum. Meteors are a floriferous daisy type with compact habit. Summersong are compact with a double flower form. The Twinkles have a unique crested anemone flower form and compact habit. All are excellent for cool weather production and work great for season extenders. All types are well suited for 4”, 6”, and larger container sizes. Crop timing is typically 12-18 weeks including time in propagation.

 

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

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In the Greenhouse…….

Propagation

Argyranthemum 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

• Argyranthemum roots easily without the use of rooting hormone. However, time to root and uniformity in rooting may be improved with 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 6-8 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.

Fungicide Applications

• Within 48 hours after sticking apply a fungicide spray with a chemical containing copper such as Phyton 27, Camelot, or Kocide 2000.

Growth Regulators

• Stretch may be an issue under low light levels. Argyranthemum respond to B-Nine sprays at 1500ppm, Cycocel sprays at 1000 ppm, or a combination of the two chemicals.

 

Propagation Cycle: 4 weeks

 

Potential Problems in Propagation

• Do not pinch in propagation – Argyranthemum are susceptible to Crown Gall which may be a problem if the cuttings are pinched in propagation.
• Excess moisture and reduced airflow will promote botrytis – apply a preventive spray shortly after sticking.

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.
• Fertilizer regime:
• Begin fertilizing 2 weeks after transplant
• Choose a complete balanced fertilizer complete with minor elements
• Apply 200-250 ppm constant liquid feed
• Alternate with calcium nitrate or a cal –mag fertilizer on a regular basis. Magnesium is especially important as flowering begins. Epsom salts can also be applied on a monthly basis.
• 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 5.5-6.3
• Optimum EC is 2 to 2.5 mmhos. Provide periodic clear water application if excess salts accumulate.

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

Temperature/Humidity

Argyranthemum 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: 65F/18C average daily temperature

 

Temperatures for growing on: 60-70F/13-21C day and 60-65F/13-15C night

At lower temperatures:

• Growth will be slower and time in production longer

At warmer temperatures:

• Excess vegetative growth may be a problem

 

Relative Humidity:

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

Light

Argyranthemum prefers bright light. For best results grow in a greenhouse with retractable roofs or in a field production setting.

 

Provide:

• 5000 foot candles/53,800 lux minimum
• 6000foot candles/64,600 lux maximum

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

1^st pinch – 1-2 weeks after transplant

2^nd pinch – no additional pinches should be necessary

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

• Apply a fungicide containing copper within 48 hours after pinching to prevent a crown gall infection
• For more information on crown gall and how to prevent it click here: http://www.ecke.com/html/fastfacts/ff_ffx_argy_crown_gall.html

 

Plant Growth Regulators Good light levels and cultural practices are the best means of controlling stretch.   If needed, Argyranthemum responds to: B-Nine as a spray at 1500 ppm Cycocel as a spray at 1500 ppm   *Apply any PGR applications prior to visible bud set to avoid delay in time to flower. Insect and Disease Concerns Insects Aphids Thrips Whiteflies Diseases Botrytis Root and stem rots Crown Gall 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

Container Size	# of cuttings per pot	Time to pinch (weeks) after transplanting	Total crop time* (weeks)
4-6"	1	1-2	8-10
8-10”	3-4	2	12-14

*crop time is reduced under warmer growing conditions.

If you have questions about Gaura Pink Fountain 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.

 

 

 

 

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