Brachyscome

Brachyscome

Outback Daisies (Brachyscome hybrid)

Brachyscome Outback Daisies have small daisy like flowers in colors ranging from yellow to white, to mauve to lavender. The plants are free branching with a mounded habit. Cool temperatures promote flowering and compact growth so they are an excellent choice for the early spring market. Brachyscome are well suited for 4” and 6” containers and hanging baskets. Crop timing is typically 10-16 weeks including time in propagation.

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

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In the Greenhouse…….

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

Brachyscome 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.
Mist should be eliminated or significantly reduced as roots form.

Growth Regulating

Growth regulating should not be necessary.

Pinching

Pinch or shear cuttings in week 2 of propagation to improve plant habit and correct stretch.

Fertility

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.
Maintain pH at 5.6-5.9
Maintain EC at 0.75-0.80 mS/cm (SME).

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. Do not allow mature plants to dry excessively.
Fertilizer Regime

Begin fertilizing 2 weeks after transplant.
Choose a complete balanced fertilizer complete with minor elements.
Apply 200-250 ppm constant liquid feed with a fertilizer low in phosphorus.
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
Brachyscome can be grown successfully at a wide range of temperatures but for best results the crop should be established and grown cool.
Temperature regime:

Establishing temperature: 55°F/13°C average daily temperature

Temperatures for growing on: 55-70°F/13-21°C day and 50-55°F/11-13°C night

At cooler temperatures growth will be more compact and flowering more prolific.
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
Brachyscome prefers bright light.
Provide:

4000 foot candles/43,100 lux minimum
6000 foot candles/64,600 lux maximum

*Shade may be required to avoid high temperatures but can encourage stretch and delay flowering.
*Plants grown outdoors in full sun stay compact and may yellow in response to high light.

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)

Plant Growth Regulators
Good light levels, cool growing conditions, and good cultural practices are the best means of controlling stretch.
If needed, Scaevola responds to:

B-Nine® as a spray at 2500 ppm

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

Trouble Shooting

SYMPTOM: Slow Growth
Possible Solutions

Check root systems for signs of damage. Treat with fungicide drench and reduce watering/ fertilization until roots regrow.
Check root systems for insect causing damage, particularly fungus gnat larvae or root aphids. Treat with pesticides targeted to control these pests.

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 Brachyscome click here: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/floriculture/def

SYMPTOM: Drying and discoloration of foliage
Possible Solutions

Plants allowed to dry out. Maintain proper watering regimen.
Phosphorous levels in fertilization program may be too high. Use low phosphorous or no phosphorous fertilizer mixes.

Insect and Disease Concerns
Insects

Aphids
Caterpillars
Fungus Gnats
Scale
Thrips

Diseases

Botrytis
Powder Mildew
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 1st Pinch	Additional pinch	Total Crop Time (weeks)
4"	1	2-3	No	8-10
6"	2	2-3	Yes	10-12
Hanging Baskets	5	2-3	Yes	12-14

*additional pinching will delay flowering by 5-6 week

If you have questions about Brachyscome 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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