Poinsettia FASTFACTS

Gross™ Heirloom Family

Product Description Silvery-green variegated foliage Available in red, peach and multi-shaded pink Compact growth habit Unique novelty cultivars Excellent branching		Cultural Tips Natural flowering near December 1 Growth retarding chemicals are generally not needed Performs well in warm growing climates

STOCK: For maximum production of good quality cuttings, maintain minimum night temperatures of 66-68°F/19-20°C throughout the production season. Use of night interruption lighting from 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM is recommended through 15 May to prevent flower initiation. Provide a balanced and complete fertilizer regime to assure optimum plant growth. Light intensities of 4,500 to 5,000 foot candles/48,400 to 53,800 lux are ideal provided daytime greenhouse temperatures do not exceed 90°F/32°C.

Heirloom mother plants:

• produce ample cuttings although the stock plants will be more compact
• have an optimum cutting maturity of 6 weeks
• are adaptable to multiple (2-3) pinch or single pinch (fast crop) programs
• may require shading or cooling protection from increased daytime temperatures 85°+F/29°+C that occur at high light intensities of 5,000+ foot candles/53,800 lux

PROPAGATION: Cuttings root quickly under normal propagation conditions. The large leaves characteristic of Heirloom may require additional space in propagation to minimize the occurrence of Botrytis. Use of a rooting hormone containing 2500 ppm IBA will promote speed and uniformity of root development. Chemical growth retardant applications may not be needed during propagation to prevent stretching.

FINISHED PLANT CHARACTERISTICS: The Heirloom series is easy to grow and performs well in 4, 5, or 6" containers. The natural flower initiation date of approximately 25 September is similar to other poinsettia cultivars. Because of its 9 week flower response time, Heirlooms are ready for market at mid-season, near 1 December for most growers. For branched plants, pinch within 10 to 14 days of transplanting for best growth response and allow ample vegetative growth time due to its short habit. It is important to avoid heat and high light stress on young plants. Provide shading and cooling until about two weeks after pinching. Chemical growth retardants are generally not needed. The Heirlooms are resistant to epinasty and withstand the rigors of sleeving, boxing and shipping.

CULTIVAR NOTES:

• The Peterstar Silverbells has a similar foliar look and is an outstanding complement to this series.
• Calcium sprays have aided in the prevention of bract edge burn.

©1999 Paul Ecke Ranch All Rights Reserved

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Fast Faxes are one of many forms of technical assistance provided by the Ecke Ranch. For additional information on Poinsettias, please consult our website www.ecke.com or for technical assistance, log on to www.ecke.com/techhelp. We hope the information provided will be helpful. It is based upon 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.