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This
FASTFACTS provides general growing guidelines for Helichrysum
Silver Spike (Helichrysum thianschanicum).
PROPAGATION
- Stick
1 cutting per cell in propagation.
- For best
results use a rooting hormone with up to 3000 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 4-5 weeks.
CULTURAL
REQUIREMENTS
Media
- Sterile,
well-aerated mixes are best.
- Optimum
pH range is between 5.5–6.3.
- 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. Over-watering
will result in leaves turning black and defoliating.
- Feed
with complete, balanced fertilizers at 200–250 ppm nitrogen
(CLF). A media EC of 2.0 is optimum. Alternate with calcium
nitrate on a regular basis.
- Provide
a complete minor element program.
- Provide
periodic clear water application if excess soluble salts accumulate.
Temperature/Humidity
- Establish
crop at 65°+ F/18°+ C average temperatures.
- Once
established grow at:
- 50–70°+ F/10–21° C day temperatures
- 50–60° F/10–15° C night temperatures
- Low temperatures
promote 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.
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 are generally
not required.
INSECT
AND DISEASE CONCERNS
Insect
- Fungus gnats
Disease
- Botrytis (gray mold)
- Root and stem rots
CROP
SCHEDULING
| Product
Form |
#
Liners per pot |
Weeks
to establish prior to pinch* |
Total
crop time* (weeks) |
| 4" |
1 |
0 |
10-12 |
| 6” / 1
gallon |
1 |
2-3 |
12-14 |
| 8" |
2 |
2-3 |
12-14 |
*crop
time is reduced under warmer growing conditions.
USAGE
Grower:
4”, 6” or 8” pots, or as an accent plant in colorbowls,
mixed containers and baskets. Can be grown compatibly with most
crops
Consumer: Helichrysum look great on their own or mixed with
other plants in patio pots, window boxes, colorbowls and baskets
and provide outstanding color foliage and texture in any garden
use.
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