Gazania

Gazania

Sunbathers™

The SunBathers feature large showy flowers in bright gold and orange. The flowers lack the typical dark eye present on most Gazanias, giving these a clean, clear appearance. The flowers have a semi double form which inhibits them from closing at night like seed Gazania. The SunBathers can be grown cool but will also perform throughout the heat of the summer for extended performance. They are best suited for 4”, 6” and 1 gallon containers. Typical crop timing is 13-17 weeks including time in propagation

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

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In the Greenhouse…….

Propagation
Gazania 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

SunBathers will benefit from the use 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 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.

Trimming

Gazania should not be pinched in propagation but will benefit from lower leaf removal when the cuttings are stuck.
Light trimming of the larger leaves will also prevent problems with botrytis.

Propagation Cycle: 5 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 are established the media should be allowed to dry to touch between irrigations. Wet media will promote stretch while excessive drying will delay flowering and result in foliage burn under high light levels.
Fertilizer Regime

Begin fertilizing 2 weeks after transplant.
Choose a complete balanced fertilizer complete with minor elements.
Apply 200-250 ppm constant liquid feed.
Choose a fertilizer that is low in ammonia and phosphorus.
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 5.8-6.2
Optimum EC is 2 to 2.5 mmhos. Provide periodic clear water application if excess salts accumulate.

Temperature/Humidity
SunBathers 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: 62-68°F/17-21°C average daily temperature

Temperatures for growing on: 68°F/21°C average daily temperatures and 55-60°F/13-17°C night temperatures

SunBathers will tolerate lower temperature but flowering may be delayed.
Avoid high day temperatures combine with moisture stress.

Relative Humidity:

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

Light
SunBathers prefer bright light. For best results
Provide:

5000 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

SunBathers should not be pinched.

Plant Growth Regulators
Adequate spacing and good light levels are the best way to control stretch. If needed, SunBathers respond to:

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

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

Insect and Disease Concerns
Insects

Aphids
Spidermites
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	# Liners per Pot	Weeks to Establish	Total Crop Time from Transplant (weeks)
4"	1	2-3	8
6"	1	2-3	9
1 gallon	1	2-3	10-12

*Total crop time may be increased with cooler temperatures. Late PGR application will also increase crop time.

If you have questions about Gazania Sunbathers 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.

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.