This FASTFACTS provides general growing guidelines for Candy Floss™ Blue and Showers Bacopa Series (Sutera cordata) - Bridal Showers (white), Lavender Showers (lavender) and Blue Showers (blue).

PROPAGATION

• To create full, bushy plants, stick 2 cuttings per cell in propagation. (Provided in all URC orders supplied from the Paul Ecke Ranch.)
• Bacopa are easy to root with most other spring plants.
• No special handling or rooting hormones is required although bottom heat will promote quicker root development.

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS

Media

• Sterile, well-aerated mixes are best.
• Optimum pH range is between 5.5 and 6.3.
• Consider that the water-holding capacity that is best for consumer performance may be greater than what is ideal for production.

Irrigation/Fertilization

• Avoid excessive irrigation throughout production.
• 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.

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 soon after transplant to encourage branching.
• If producing sutera as a single species container, additional pinching is suggested to trim shoots back to the edge of the container. This will help develop a full plant form that fills the pot and avoids open centers.
  

INSECT AND DISEASE CONCERNS

Insect
- Fungus gnats
- Whiteflies       

Disease
- Botrytis (gray mold)
- Root and stem rots

CROP SCHEDULING

USAGE

Grower: 4”, 6”, hanging baskets, combination planters, baskets and colorbowls.
Consumer: Annual groundcover, patio pots, mixed plantings, window boxes and rock gardens.

Note: Candy Floss is more ‘airy’ in structure than the Showers series.

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