Brachyscome Outback Plants
GROWING GUIDELINES FASTFACTS
Habit  Mounding
Vigor  Medium
Temperature  Cold 55°F/13°C average
Timing  8-10 weeks
Application  4”-6” and hanging baskets

This FASTFACTS provides general growing guidelines for Brachyscome Outback Plants® (Brachyscome agustifolia hybrid, Brachyscome multifida hybrid, Brachyscome formosa X agustifolis & Brachyscome segmentosa hybrid).

PROPAGATION

  • 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 enhances root development, maintain soil temperature between 70-75°F/ 21-24°C.
  • Avoid over application of mist which slows root development.
  • Pinch cuttings as soon as roots form to encourage branching and improve plant growth habit.

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.
  • If mixing own media, do not add superphosphate.

Water Quality/Irrigation

  • E.C. below 1.0 mmhos is best.
  • pH should be neutral to slightly acidic.
  • If acid treatment is required, use sulfuric or nitric acid. Do not use phosphoric acid.
  • Mature plants suffer dieback if allowed to dry out.

Fertilization

  • Feed with balanced, low phosphorous fertilizers at 200-250 ppm nitrogen (CLF). E.C. of 2.0-2.5.
  • Provide complete minor element program.
  • Extra iron applications may be required to prevent/reduce foliage yellowing.
    Apply as:
    - Iron sulfate drenches (avoid contact with foliage),
    or
    - Iron chelate sprays or drenches.
  • Use of Osmocote® products such as 18-6-12 or other appropriate slow-release fertilizers 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 are detected.

Temperature/Humidity

  • Establish crop at 55ºF/13ºC average temperatures.
  • Once established, grow at:
    - 55-70°F/13-21°C day temperatures.
    - 50-55°F/10-13°C night temperatures.
  • Low night temperatures encourage flowering and compact growth.
  • 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.
  • Shade may be required to avoid high temperatures but can encourage stretch and delay flowering.
  • Plants grown outdoors in full sun stay compact and may yellow in response to high light.

Pinching

  • Brachyscome benefit from trimming to encourage compact, full growth.
  • Trim young plants once established (approximately 2 weeks after transplanting).
  • Additional pruning can be used to shape plants, correct for stretching or 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 can 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 (approximately 0.75 per sq. ft.)


INSECT AND DISEASE CONCERNS

Insect
- Aphids
- Caterpillars
- Fungus gnats
- Scale
- Thrips

Disease
- Botrytis (gray mold)
- Powdery mildew
- Root and stem rots
- Viruses

TROUBLESHOOTING

SYMPTOM: Slow growth
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS:

  • Check root systems for signs of damage. Treat with fungicide drench and reduce watering/ fertilization until roots regrow.
  • Check root systems for insect causing damage, particularly fungus gnat larvae or root aphids. Treat with pesticides targeted to control these pests.

SYMPTOM: Yellowing of young leaves
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS:

  • Check that fertilizer injectors are functioning properly.
  • Ensure media pH is between 5.5-6.3 - adjust if necessary.
  • Check iron levels in soil and tissue. Supplement with iron sulfate drenches if media pH is high or with iron chelate as a spray or drench, if media pH is normal.

SYMPTOM: Yellowing of lower foliage
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS:

  • Check that fertilizer injectors are functioning properly.
  • Check for low nitrogen levels in soil and tissue.
  • Check E.C. levels of soil for high salts.
  • Check magnesium levels in soil and tissue. Supplement with magnesium sulfate as a drench if levels are low.
  • Check for root or stem rot.

SYMPTOM: Drying and discoloration of foliage
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS:

  • Plants allowed to dry out. Maintain proper watering regimen.
  • Phosphorous levels in fertilization program may be too high. Use low phosphorous or no phosphorous fertilizer mixes.

USAGE

Grower: 4”, 6”/1 gal., 8” pots, colorbowls and hanging baskets.
Consumer: Gardens, rockeries, patio tubs, mixed planters, windows boxes, colorbowls and bedding plants.

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