This FASTFACTS provides general growing guidelines for Sun Chimes™ Diascia (Diascia X hybrida).

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 IBA and up to 500 ppm NAA work well too.
• Bottom heat enhances root development. Maintain soil temperatures between 70–75° F/ 21–24° C.
• Pinch cuttings week three in propagation to encourage branching prior to transplanting. The rooting cycle is generally complete after 4 weeks.
• 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 and spray weekly as needed until transplanting.
  
  

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS

Media

• Sterile, well-aerated mixes are best.
• Optimum pH range is between 5.5–6.0.
• 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 or fertilization when plants are young. Once established and growing, do not allow soil to get too dry as this will result in damage to the foliage and flowers.
• Feed with complete, balanced fertilizers at 200–250 ppm nitrogen (CLF). A media EC of 2.5 is optimum. Alternate with calcium nitrate on a regular basis.
• Provide a complete minor element program with additional iron using either iron chelate or iron sulfate (to avoid burn on foliage, rinse iron sulfate off after application).
• 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 application if excess soluble salts accumulate. High salts can cause yellowing of lower foliage.
  

Temperature/Humidity

• Establish crop at 65°+ F/18°+ C average temperatures.
• Once established and pinched, grow at:
  - 50–70°+F/ 10–21° C day temperatures
  - 45–60°F/ 7–15° C night temperatures
• Low temperatures promote flowering and compact growth, but slow development.
• Provide good air circulation at all times.
• Maintain relative humidity below 70% to prevent diseases like Botrytis gray mold.

Light

• Bright light is ideal for this crop. Retractable roof greenhouses and field production are suggested where possible.
• Provide a minimum of 5000-6000 foot candles/ 53,800-64,600 lux.
  

Pinching

• Trim young plants once established (approximately 2-3 weeks after transplanting). This should be the second pinch with the first completed during propagation.
• Additional pruning can be used to shape plants, correct for stretching or to time flowering. Mature, healthy plants generally bloom within 5-6 weeks after pinching. Apply fungicide sprays to prevent Botrytis after any hard pinch.

Spacing

• Plants may be established pot-tight but should be spaced before foliage touches.
• 4” pots should be provided a minimum 5-6” centers (approximately 2 per sq.ft.)
• 6” or 1-gal. Pots should be provided a minimum of 10-12” centers.

Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs)

• Cold temperatures and high light are the best control methods for preventing stretch.
• Chemical growth regulators can be used to maintain crop growth if stretch becomes a problem. Spray applications of B-Nine at 2500 ppm should be made before flower buds are visible. Research on this species suggests that spray applications of either Bonzi® or Sumagic® may be effective at controlling internode stretch.
  
  

INSECT AND DISEASE CONCERNS

Insect
- Aphids
- Fungus gnats
- Mealybug
- Spider mites
- Thrips
- Whiteflies

Disease
- Botrytis
- Root and stem rots
- Viruses

CROP SCHEDULING

USAGE

Grower: 4”, 6” pots, colorbowls, mixed containers and baskets. Can be grown compatibly with other "cool” crops like pansies, perennials, etc.
Consumer: Diascia look great on their own or mixed with other plants in patio pots, window boxes, colorbowls and baskets. Not suggested as a ground cover. SunChimes Diascia perform well, even in the heat of summer.

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