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Osteospermum

Cape Daisy™, Side Show™, & Crescendo (Osteospermum ecklonis & Osteospermum fruticosum)

Through the Cape Daisy, Side Show, and Crescendo series there are many options to offer in Osteospermum. Cape Daisies are the standard series for 1 gallon containers. The plants are free branching with flowers that stay open. The Side Shows have shown excellent tolerance in summer conditions and are well suited for 4”- 6” pots and 1 gallon containers. The Crescendos are ideal for larger containers and baskets and an outstanding choice for summer sales. They will continue to bloom in the toughest of conditions.
Osteospermum 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

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

  • Osteospermum will benefit from the use of 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 or up to 500 ppm NAA.

Misting

  • Average days with mist vary from 9-12 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.

Growth Regulators

  • Stretch may be an issue under low light levels. Osteospermum respond to B-Nine® sprays at 1500ppm, Cycocel® sprays at 1000 ppm, or a combination of the two chemicals.
  • Begin applications approximately 2 weeks after sticking and spray weekly until 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 and fertilization while plants are establishing which can lead to slow root development.
  • In the garden the Crescendos are quite drought tolerant, however under excessive drought conditions foliage will become gray, recovering quickly when watered again.
  • Fertilizer Regime
    • Begin fertilizing 2 weeks after transplant
    • Choose a complete balanced fertilizer complete with minor elements
    • Apply 200-250 ppm constant liquid feed
    • Alternate with calcium nitrate on a regular basis.
    • A slow release product may also be used to supplement a constant liquid feed program and may provide improved performance for the consumer
    • Cape Daisies may turn yellow along leaf margins if excess sodium is present in water supply or fertilizer mixes. Additional calcium can help counter these symptoms.
  • Maintain pH between 6.0-6.5
  • Optimum EC is 2-2.5 mmhos. Provide periodic clear water application if excess salts accumulate.

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

Temperature/Humidity
Portulaca grows best when kept warm.

Temperature regime:

Establishing temperature: 60-65°F/15-18°C average daily temperature

Temperatures for growing on: 65-75°F/18-24°C day and 45-60°F/7-15°C night

  • Low night temperatures encourage flowering for all Osteospermum, however the Crescendo and Side Show series does not require as much cold for flower bud development or continued flowering.
Relative Humidity:
Maintain relative humidity below 70% and provide good air circulation to avoid problems with botrytis.

Light
Osteospermum 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
  • In low light regions, the Side Show Series Osteospermum blooms earlier than other cultivars.
  • Cape Daisies are not photoperiodic but bloom quicker under long day conditions.
  • Use of supplemental light (14-16 hours, beginning at midnight) is beneficial for early spring flowering.
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
  • Crescendo’s have a slightly spreading growth habit & can be grown closer together forcing a more upright form.
Pinching
1st pinch- pinch out growing tips 1-2 weeks after transplant
2nd pinch- no additional pinches should be necessary

* For 4” pots and baskets, pinch to 4-5 nodes. For 6” pots or larger, pinch to 6-7 nodes. The Crescendo series is more vigorous and will be more difficult to manage in 4" pots - best use will be larger pots and hanging baskets.

Plant Growth Regulators
Good light levels, cold temperatures, and good cultural practices are the best means of controlling stretch.

If needed, Osteospermum responds to:
  • B-Nine® as a spray at 2500 ppm
  • Cycocel® as a drench at 3000 ppm
*Apply any PGR applications prior to visible bud set to avoid delay in time to flower.

Insect and Disease Concerns
Insects
  • Leafminer
  • Thrips
  • 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

# of cuttings per pot

Weeks to establish

Weeks growth before cold*

Total Crop Time (weeks)

4”

1

1-2

0

6-10

6” / 1 gallon

1

1-2

1

8-12

8”/5gal

3

2-3

2-3

10-12

10” basket

3

1-2

1

10-14

The Crescendo and Side Show series requires less vernalization & will perform well under warmer temperatures (50° F+). They will continue to bloom through the summer, although bloom size will decrease. Generally Crescendo’s will have significantly larger flowers than other Osteospermum hybrids and flower size reduction in summer will also be less.

Ultra Solutions™ Osteospermum


This science based crop program provides a method to program time-to-flower and maximize flower count using selected varieties from the Side Show and Crescendo Series.
For more information click here: Ultra Solutions: Osteospermum

If you have questions about Osteospermum 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.

© 2007 Ecke Ranch