Portulaca

Portulaca

Duet® and Yubi® (Portulaca oleracea)

Portulaca is an easy choice for the hot summer landscape. The Yubi® Summer Joy series offers the widest range of colors on the market today. The vivid colors brighten any late summer landscape. They can be grown in 4”-8” pots and hanging baskets. Typical crop timing is 10 – 16 weeks including time in propagation.
Portulaca is available from the Paul Ecke Ranch as an unrooted or rooted cutting.

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In the Greenhouse…….

Propagation
Portulaca 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

The use if rooting hormone is not required, however it may be beneficial in promoting uniformity and time to rooting.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 3000 ppm IBA.

Misting

Average days with mist vary from 4-7 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

Cuttings may be pinched in propagation to control stretch.
Any flower buds that form should continually be removed in propagation.

*Unrooted cuttings may defoliate during shipment, stem sections root easily and generate new leaves, and the impact on rooting speed is approximately 1 week.

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 throughout production.
Fertilizer Regime

Begin fertilizing 2 weeks after transplant
Choose a complete balanced fertilizer complete with minor elements
Apply 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 5.5-6.5
Optimum EC 2.5 mmhos. Provide periodic clear water application if excess salts accumulate.

Temperature/Humidity
Portulaca grows best when kept warm.

Temperature regime:

Establishing temperature: 65°F/18°C average daily temperature

Temperatures for growing on: 70°F/21°C average daily temperatures and 60F/15C night temperatures.

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

Light
Bacopa prefers bright light.
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- may be in propagation
2nd pinch- pinch out growing tips 2-3 weeks after transplant and trim plants as needed to shape

Plant Growth Regulators
Plant growth regulators should not be necessary with adequate light levels.

Insect and Disease Concerns
Insects

Aphids
Fungus gnats
Slugs/Snails

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

Container Size	# of cuttings per pot	*Total crop time (weeks)**
4	1	6-8
6-8”	3-4	8-10
Colorbowls	3-6	8-12
Hanging Baskets	5-6	8-12

If you have questions about Portulaca 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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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.