Diascia

Diascia

Sun Chimes™ (Diascia X hybrida)

The Sun Chimes offer the largest flowers of any Diascia series with strong vivid colors. They are well suited for early spring and fall production. The series offers both mounded and trailing types for different applications. They can be grown in a variety of container sizes including 4” – 6” pots, baskets, and combos. Total crop timing is typically 12-18 weeks including time in propagation.

Diascia is available from the Paul Ecke Ranch as an unrooted or rooted cutting.

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In the Greenhouse…….

Propagation
Diascia can be propagated in various tray sizes including 72,84, 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

Diascia 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 6-9 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.

Pinching

Pinch cuttings in week three to promote branching.

Growth Regulating

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

Propagation Cycle: 5 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 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 5.5-6.0
Optimum EC is 2.0 to 2.5 mmhos. Provide periodic clear water application if excess salts accumulate.

Temperature/Humidity
Diascia 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/18°C average daily temperature

Temperatures for growing on: 50-70°F/10-21°C day and 45-60°F/7-15°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:

During the vegetative stage high relative humidity should be maintained.
In flowering stages relative humidity should be reduced to control botrytis.

Light
Diascia 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
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 3 in propagation
2nd Pinch- trim young plants once established (2-3 weeks)
Additional Pinches- established plants may be trimmed as needed to shape. Mature plants will flower in 5-6 weeks.

Plant Growth Regulators
Good light levels and cultural practices are the best means of controlling stretch.
If needed Diascia responds to:

B-Nine® as a spray at 2500 ppm.
Research on this species also suggests that Bonzi® sprays may be effective.

*Apply any PGR applications prior to visible bud set to avoid delay in time to flower.

Insect and Disease Concerns
Insects

Aphids
Fungus gnats
Mealybug
Spider mites
Thrips
Whiteflies

Diseases

Botrytis
Root and stem rots
Viruses

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	Weeks to Establish	Additional Pinch	Total Crop Time (weeks)
4”	1	2-3	No	7-10
6” / 1 gallon	2	2-3	Yes	9-12
10” Baskets	5	2-3	Yes	10-13

If you have questions about Diascia Sun Chimes 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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