Lamium

Lamium

Orchid Frost (Lamium maculatum)

Orchid Frost’s striking silvery foliage adds contrast in mixed containers. It has a trailing habit that is ideal for 4”-8” pots and combination planter. Typical crop timing is 18-14 weeks including time in propagation.

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

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In the Greenhouse…….

Propagation
Orchid Frost can be propagated in various tray sizes including 32,50,72,84, 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

Lamium will benefit from the use rooting hormone. Time to root and uniformity in rooting will be improved with use of a hormone.
Either liquid or powder formulations work equally well. Choose a product with up to 3000 ppm IBA.

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 two of propagation leaving at least three nodes to promote branching prior to transplanting.

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 throughout production. Lamium prefer to be kept moist but not consistently wet.
Fertilizer Regime

Begin fertilizing 2 weeks after transplant.
Choose a complete balanced fertilizer complete with minor elements.
A periodic feeding of 200-250 ppm constant liquid feed.
Alternate with calcium nitrate on a regular basis and provide a complete minor element program.
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.

Temperature/Humidity

Temperature regime:

Establishing temperature: 65°F/18°C average daily temperature
Temperatures for growing on: 55-70°F/13-21°C average daily temperatures and 55-60°F/13-15°C night temperatures.

Low temperatures will promote growth but slow development.

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

Light
Silver Spike prefers bright light. Retractable roof greenhouses and field production are recommended where possible. For best results provide:
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 2 of propagation
2nd Pinch- trim plants as needed to shape

Plant Growth Regulators
Cold temperatures and high light are the best control methods for prevent stretch. Growth regulators are generally not required.

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

Product Form	# Liners per pot	Total Crop Time (weeks)
4”	1	6-8
6” / 1 gallon	1-2	8-10
8”	3	10-12

If you have questions about Helichrysum Silver Spike 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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