Torenia

Torenia

Moon™ (Torenia fournieri)

Moon Torenia add some innovative colors to the summer flowering season. Colors range from magenta to yellow to purple. Torenia are heat resistant and will continue to flower in the toughest of conditions. They have a mounded to trailing habit making them ideal for hanging baskets. Torenia can be grown in 4” – 6” pots, one gallon containers, and hanging baskets. Typical crop timing is 9-18 weeks including time in propagation.

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

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In the Greenhouse…….

Propagation
Torenia 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

Torenia 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 power formulations work equally well. Choose a product with up to 2500 ppm IBA or up to 500 ppm NAA.

*Liquid hormone solutions like Dip ‘N Grow® should be diluted 1:20 to avoid alcohol burn to cutting ends.

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

Weekly sprays of 1500 ppm Cycocel® or 1500 ppm B-Nine® will prevent stretch.

Pinching

Pinch in propagation is not necessary.

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. 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 200 ppm constant liquid feed.
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 5.8-6.0
Optimum EC is 2 to 2.5 mS/cm (SME). Provide periodic clear water application if excess salts accumulate.

Temperature/Humidity
Calitunia 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: 68-70°F/18-21°C average daily temperature

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

Low temperatures result in slow, stunted growth and bronzing of leaves.

Relative Humidity:

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

Light
Torenia prefer bright light.
Provide:

4000 foot candles/43,100 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- trim once established (2-3 weeks after transplant)
2nd Pinch- Additional pruning can be used to shape plants, correct for stretching or to time flowering. Mature, healthy plants generally bloom within 10-12 weeks after pinching.

Plant Growth Regulators
Moderate light intensities and consistent temperatures are the best control methods for preventing stretch; avoid large differences in day and night temperatures.

Torenia does not generally require use of plant growth regulators, although it is responsive to B-Nine® sprays (begin about 3 weeks after pinching at rates of 1500-2500 ppm) or apply Bonzi or Sumagic as a drench.
Do not apply Florel® to Torenia.

Insect and Disease Concerns
Insects

Aphids
Fungus Gnats

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	# Liners per pot	Weeks to establish	Weeks to flower after pinch	Total Crop Time (weeks)
4”	1	1	4-6	5-7
6” / 1 gallon	2-3	1-2	5-7	6-9
8”	3-4	2	8-12	10-14
10"	4-5	2	8-12	10-14

If you have questions about Moon Torenia 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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