Verbena

Verbena

Tropical Breeze™ & Tropical Mist™

Tropical Breeze is a broad leaf type verbena in a wide range of flower colors. Tropical Mist is a fine leaf type. Habits within both series ranges from mounding to spreading and both series have been selected for mildew tolerance. Verbena is well suited for production in 4”-6” pots, 1 gallon containers, and hanging baskets. They can be used as a stand alone or in combination planters. Typical crop time is 12-16 weeks including time in propagation.

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

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In the Greenhouse…….

Propagation
Verbena can be propagated in various tray sizes including 72,84 and 105’s.

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

Verbenaroots 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.

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

B-Nine® or Cycocel® can be applied as sprays to prevent stretch.
Begin applications approximately 1 week after sticking with 1500 ppm B-Nine® or 1500 ppm Cycocel®. Spray weekly as needed 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. 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 200-250 ppm constant liquid feed.
Alternate between general purpose fertilizer mixes and calcium-potassium fertilizers. Too much ammonium nitrate promotes excessive leaf size and internode stretch.
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
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: 65°F/18°C average daily temperature

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

At lower temperatures

Flowering will be delayed
Leaf yellowing may occur

Relative Humidity:

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

Light
Verbena prefers bright light.
Provide:

5000 foot candles/53,800 lux minimum
6000 foot candles/64,600 lux maximum

* Tropical Breeze and Tropical Mist Verbena are day neutral and will flower year around, however, flowering is more prolific and earlier under longer days when total light is higher.

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- once plants have established (2-3 weeks after transplant) pinch to the 4th or 5th node.
2nd Pinch- trim plants to the edge of the pot to promote fullness.
Additional Pinch- shape, correct stretch or time to flower (mature plants will flower 5-6 weeks after pinch).

Plant Growth Regulators
Low light, excess moisture, high ammonium feed and positive DIF cause stretching. Use high light, moderate irrigation and lower feed levels for optimum growth control. If needed Verbena responds to:

B-Nine® as a spray at 1500-2500ppm
Cycocel® as a spray at 1500-2000

Insect and Disease Concerns
Insects

Aphids
Caterpillars
Fungus Gnats
Spider Mites
Thrips
Whiteflies

Diseases

Botrytis
Powedery Mildew
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

Season	Container Size	Cuttings per pot	Weeks to first pinch	2nd Pinch	Total Crop Time# of Weeks
Spring	4” – 6”	1	1-2	N/A	6-10
Spring	8”, 10”,14"	3-4	1-2	3	9-12
Spring	Hanging Baskets	2-4	1-2	3	9-12
Summer	4” – 6”	1	1-2	N/A	6-9
Summer	8”, 10”,14"	3-4	1-2	3	8-10
Summer	Hanging Baskets	3-4	1-2	3	8-10

If you have questions about Verbena 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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