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This
FASTFACTS provides general growing guidelines for Jelly Bean™
Mimulus (Mimulus Aurantiacus hybrid) .
PROPAGATION
- Mimulus
require only 1 cutting per cell for propagation.
- 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.
- Liquid
hormone solutions like Dip ‘N Grow® should be diluted
1:20 to avoid alcohol burn to cutting ends.
- Bottom
heat enhances root development. Maintain soil temperatures
between 70–75° F/ 21–24° C.
- Mist
lightly during the day to avoid wilting. Avoid over-application
of mist which slows root development.
- Air circulation
should be sufficient to prevent water from remaining on leaves.
- Pinch
cuttings week 3 of propagation to encourage branching and
improve plant growth habit. The rooting cycle is generally
complete after 4 weeks.
- Rooting
may be unreliable under short day/low light conditions. Starting
later in the season will yield better results.
- 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. Spray weekly as needed
until transplanting.
CULTURAL
REQUIREMENTS
Media
- Sterile,
well-aerated mixes are best.
- Optimum
pH range is between 5.5–6.3.
- JellyBean
Mimulus root unevenly in wet media.
- 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.
Leaves touching the soil are prone to Botrytis throughout
production.
- Feed
with complete, balanced fertilizers at 200–250 ppm nitrogen
(CLF). The optimum media EC is 2.5. Alternate with calcium
nitrate on a regular basis.
- Provide
complete minor element program.
- Extra
iron applications may be required to prevent/reduce foliage
yellowing. Apply as 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 application if excess soluble salts accumulate.
- For best
results, do not overwater or overfeed.
Temperature/Humidity
- Establish
crop at 60-65°+ F/15-18°+ C average temperatures.
- Once
established, grow at:
- 60–75°+ F/15–24° C day temperatures
- 50–55° F/10–13° C night temperatures
- Low temperatures
result in compact gorwth.
- 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.
- Provide
a minimum of 5000-6000 foot candles/ 53,800-64,600 lux.
- Mimulus
are day neutral and will flower year round, however flowering
is more prolific and earlier under longer days when total
light is higher.
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 and do not water or mist 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 gallon pots should be provided a minium of 14” centers.
- 8”
pots will require 18” centers to avoid over-crowding.
Plant
Growth Regulators (PGRs)
- High
light intensities and cool temperatures are the best control
methods for preventing stretch.
- Plants
finished outdoors will be more compact, sutrdy and ship better.
- Mimulus
do not generally require use of plant growth regulators, although
they are responsive to B-Nine® sprays.
- Applications,
if needed, should begin about 3 weeks after pinching at rates
of 1500-2500 ppm B-Nine.
INSECT
AND DISEASE CONCERNS
Insect
- Aphids
· Caterpillars
- Fungus gnats
- Spider mites
- Thrips
- Whiteflies
Disease
- Botrytis
· Powdery mildew
- Root and stem rots
- Viruses
CROP
SCHEDULING
| Product
Form |
#
Liners per pot |
Weeks
to Establish |
Weeks
to flower after pinch |
Total
Crop Time (weeks) |
| 4” |
1 |
2-3 |
10-12 |
12-15 |
| 6”
/ 1 gallon |
2 |
2-3 |
10-12 |
12-15 |
| 8” |
3 |
2-3 |
10-12 |
12-15 |
| 10”
Baskets |
4 |
2-3 |
10-12 |
12-15 |
USAGE
Grower:
4”, 6”, 8” pots, colorbowls and baskets.
Consumer: The unique colors look great on their own or with
other plants in patio pots, window boxes, colorbowls and baskets.
In well-drained garden locations, jelly bean mimulus bloom until
frost.
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