Calibrachoa

Calibrachoa

Colorburst, Colorburst Trailing, & Colorburst Cat’s Eye (Calibrachoa hybrid)

Colorburst Calibrachoa has a mounded habit and larger flower size. Colorbust Trailing are heat resistant for summer and fall flowering. Their trailing habit makes them ideal for hanging baskets. Colorburst Cat’s Eye offers a unique vein pattern and yellow eye to the flower. They have a mounded habit. All these Calibrachoa can be grown in a variety of container sizes including 6-10” pot, baskets, and combos. Typical crop timing is 13-20 weeks including time in propagation.

Calibrachoa are available from the Paul Ecke Ranch as an unrooted or rooted cutting.

Click here for live online inventory

In the Greenhouse…….

Propagation
Calibrachoa 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

Calibrachoa 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.

Pinching

Calibrachoa can be pinched in propagation if stretch becomes an issue. Pinch cuttings in the third week.

Growth Regulating

Stretch may be an issue under low light levels. Calibrachoa respond to B-Nine® sprays at 1500ppm.

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: 6 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 250-300 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 5.5-6.0
Optimum EC is 2.5 to 3.0 mmhos. Provide periodic clear water application if excess salts accumulate.

For a link to pictures of different nutrient deficiencies and corrective measures on Calibrachoa click here http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/floriculture/def/

Temperature/Humidity
Calibrachoa 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: 60°F/15°C average daily temperature

Temperatures for growing on: 55-60°F/13-15°C day and 60-65°F/13-15°C night
At lower temperatures:

Cooler night temperature will promote flowering.

At warmer temperatures:

Excess vegetative growth may be a problem and flowering not as prolific.

Relative Humidity:

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

Light
Calibrachoa 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
Vegetative Calibrachoa are long day responsive:
Natural flowering is late spring/summer.
Use of supplemental light (14-16 hours, beginning at midnight) is beneficial for early spring flowering.

* Many varieties are day neutral and will flower in early spring without the use of supplemental lighting. For a list of those varieties click here: Flower Response Chart

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- may be in propagation
2nd Pinch- pinch out growing tips 1-2 weeks after transplant
Additional Pinch- to correct for stretch or time to flower additional pinches or a shear may be performed. On mature plants this will delay flowering 5-6 weeks
* In 4” containers or for a “quick turn” crop pinching is not necessary

Plant Growth Regulators
Low light, warm temperatures and positive DIF cause stretching. Use high light, cool temperatures and a slight negative DIF for optimum growth control.
If needed, Calibrachoa responds to:

B-Nine® as a spray at 1500 ppm
Bonzi® as a spray at 3-5 ppm

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

Insect and Disease Concerns
Insects

Aphids
Caterpillars
Fungus Gnats
Leafminer
Thrips
Whiteflies

Diseases

Botrytis
Powder Mildew
Root and stem rots
Viruses

Trouble Shooting

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

SYMPTOM: Delayed flowering
Possible Solutions

Supplement daylength if growing during short-day conditions of early spring. Use lights to provide 14-16 total hours of light.
Late applications of plant growth regulators can cause flower delay. Avoid treatment once buds are visible.

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 (REGULAR)

Season	Container Size	Cuttings per pot	Weeks to Establish	Weeks after pinch	Total crop time weeks
Early Spring*	4” – 6”	1	1-2	6-9	7-11
Early Spring*	8”, 10”, 14"	3-4	1-2	8-11	9-13
Early Spring*	Hanging Baskets	3-4	1-2	8-11	9-13
Spring	4” – 6”	1	1-2	5-7	6-9
Spring	8”, 10”, 14"	3-4	2-3	6-8	12-14
Spring	Hanging Baskets	3-4	2-3	6-8	12-14

*Use of supplemental lighting is recommended for all early spring production

CROP SCHEDULING (FAST CROP NO PINCH)

Season	Container Size	Cuttings per pot	Total crop time (weeks)
Spring	4” - 6”	2	6-8
Spring	8”, 10”, 14”	4	6-8
Spring	Hanging Baskets	4	6-8

If you have questions about Calibrachoa 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.

For high resolution images click here

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.