Bracteantha

Bracteantha

Outback Paper Daisies (Bracteantha bracteata)

Bracteantha Outback Paper Daisies have true double daisy flowers. They can be grown cool for the early spring market but their heat tolerance also makes them a great season extender. Their compact habit is well suited for 4” and 6” containers. Crop timing is typically 10-16 weeks including time in propagation.

Bracteantha 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 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

Bracteantha 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.

Fungicide Application

Within 48 hours after sticking apply a fungicide spray for prevention of botrytis.

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.
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
Bracteantha 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/13C average daily temperature

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

Growth will be more compact and cooler temperatures will promote flowering.

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
Bracteantha prefers bright light.
Provide:

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

*In warm conditions Bracteantha will require shading but this may encourage stretch
* Plants grown outdoors may be excessively compact and yellow in response to high light levels

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, cool growing conditions, and good cultural practices are the best means of controlling stretch.
If needed, Bracteantha 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
Leafminer
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 2nd Pinch	Additional pinch	Total Crop Time (weeks)
4"	1	2-3	No	6-8
6"	2	2-3	Yes	8-10
Hanging Baskets	5	2-3	Yes	10-12

*additional pinching will delay flowering by 5-6 week

If you have questions about Bracteantha 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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