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This
FASTFACTS provides general growing guidelines for African Sunset
red (Jamesbrittenia breviflora) and Penny Candy™
(Jamesbrittenia hybrida) pink, rose and violet series.
PROPAGATION
- To create
full, bushy plants, stick 2 cuttings per cell in propagation.
(Provided in all URC orders supplied from the Paul Ecke Ranch.)
- For best
results, use a rooting hormone with up to 2500 ppm IBA. Mixtures
that include up to 500 ppm NAA work well too.
- Bottom
heat will promote quicker root development.
- Avoid
excessive misting in propagation that promotes foliar rots.
High humidity and low moisture conditions work best.
- After
3 weeks, lightly pinch out growing tips to initiate branching.
CULTURAL
REQUIREMENTS
Media
- Sterile,
well-aerated mixes are best.
- Optimum
pH range is between 5.5 and 6.0.
- Water-holding
capacity is important to achieve best consumer/post-production
performance. Suteras do not tolerate drying out.
Irrigation/Fertilization
- Avoid
excessive irrigation throughout production, different from
Sutera cordata types, these Bacopa do best if kept slightly
dry.
- Feed
with complete, balanced fertilizers at 200-250 ppm nitrogen
(CLF). E.C. of 2.0-2.5 is a good target range under most conditions.
Alternate with calcium nitrate on a regular basis.
- Provide
complete minor element program.
- Extra
iron applications may be required to promote good leaf color.
Apply as:
- Iron sulfate drenches (avoid contact with foliage), or
- Iron chelate sprays or drenches.
- Use of
Osmocote® or other appropriate slow-release fertilizer
products may be beneficial in supplementing a CLF program
and may provide improved performance for the consumer.
- Provide
periodic clear water applications if excess soluble salts
accumulate.
- Mature
plants will die if allowed to dry out severely.
Temperature/Humidity
- Establish
crop at 65°F/18°C average temperatures.
- Once
established, grow at:
- 60-70°F/15-21°C day temperatures.
- 55-60°F/13-15°C night temperatures.
- Provide
good air circulation at all times.
- Maintain
relative humidity below 70% to prevent diseases like Botrytis
gray mold.
Light
- Provide
a minimum of 4,000-6,000 foot candles/ 43,100-64,600 lux.
Pinching
- Cuttings
may be pinched for the second time about 3 weeks after transplant
to encourage branching and compact growth.
INSECT
AND DISEASE CONCERNS
Insect
- Fungus gnats
- Whiteflies
Disease
- Botrytis (gray mold)
- Root and stem rots
CROP
SCHEDULING
| Container
Size |
#
of cuttings per pot |
Time
to pinch (weeks) after transplanting |
Total
crop time* (weeks) |
| 4" |
1 |
- |
12 |
| 6" |
2 |
3-4 |
12-14 |
Hanging
Baskets |
4 |
4 |
12-14 |
USAGE
Grower:
4”, 6”, hanging baskets, combination planters, baskets
and colorbowls.
Consumer: Annual groundcover, patio pots, mixed plantings, window
boxes and rock gardens.
Note: African
Sunset and the Penny Candy series have larger plant structures,
leaves and flowers than the Sutera cordata types. The growth
habit is slightly upright, with flowers held up in the air.
These plants work well when mixed into containers or gardens
where an ‘airy’ look is desired.
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