Bacopa

Bacopa

Candy Floss™ Blue, Scopia™, and, Showers (Sutera cordata)

Candy Floss Blue bacopa stands out with an airy appearance and a mounded/trailing habit. It’s a great season extender with its tough heat tolerance. The Scopias boast strong flower and foliage colors and are an excellent for choice specialty baskets and bedding plant programs. Showers offer a full selection of color and are ideal for cool climates and early spring production. Bacopa are ideal for production in 4”, 6”, and hanging baskets. Crop timing is typically 8-14 weeks including time in propagation.
Bacopa are available from the Paul Ecke Ranch as an unrooted or rooted cutting.

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In the Greenhouse…….

Propagation
Bacopa can be propagated in various tray sizes including 84’s and 105’s. Stick two cuttings 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

Bacopa 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 for prevention of botrytis.

Growth Regulators

Growth regulators should not be necessary.

Pinching

Begin feeding as roots are visible. Begin with 75 ppm nitrogen then increase to 150 ppm. Choose
a fertilizer with low levels of ammonium based nitrogen and avoid overhead feeding with fertilizer containing phosphorus.

Fertility

Pinching or sheer cuttings in week 2 of propagation.
Maintain pH at 5.6-5.9
Maintain EC at 0.75-0.80 mS/cm (SME)

Propagation Cycle: 3 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.
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. 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 mS/cm (SME). Provide periodic clear water application if excess salts accumulate.

Temperature/Humidity
Bacopa 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: 65°F/18°C average daily temperature

Temperatures for growing on:60-70°F/13-21°C day and 55-60°F/11-13°C 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
Bacopa prefers bright light.
Provide:

4000 foot candles/43,100 lux minimum
6000 foot 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
1st pinch- week 2 of propagation
2nd pinch- trim once established (1-2 weeks after transplant)
Additional Pinch- shape, correct stretch or time to flower (mature plants will flower 5-6 weeks after pinch)

Apply a preventative fungicide application for botrytis at the time of pinch. Do not apply mist of water immediately after any hard pinch.

Plant Growth Regulators
Good light levels and cultural practices are the best means of controlling stretch.

If needed, Bacopa responds to:

B-Nine® as a spray at 1500 ppm

Insect and Disease Concerns
Insects

Fungus gnats
Whiteflies

Diseases

Botrytis
Root and stem rots

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)**
Container Size	# of cuttings per pot	1st	2nd	*Total crop time (weeks)**
4"	1	1	-	6-8
6"	2	1	3-4	8-10
Hanging Baskets	4	1	4	10-12

If you have questions about Bacopa 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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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.