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This
FASTFACTS provides general growing guidelines for Duet™,
Yubi™ and Double Yubi™ Portulaca (Portulaca oleracea).
PROPAGATION
- Portulaca
(flowering Purslane) root easily with minimum care.
- Bottom
heat enhances root development. Maintain soil temperature
between 70-75°F/ 21-24°C.
- Unrooted
cuttings may defoliate during shipment, stem sections root
easily and generate new leaves, the impact on rooting speed
is approximately 1 week.
CULTURAL
REQUIREMENTS
Media
- Sterile,
well-aerated mixes are best.
- Optimum
pH range is between 5.5 and 6.5.
- Consider
that the water-holding capacity that is best for consumer
performance may be greater than what is ideal for production.
Irrigation/Fertilization
- Avoid
excess irrigation when plants are young.
- Throughout
production, allow soil to dry between irrigations.
- Feed
with complete, balanced fertilizers at 250 ppm nitrogen (CLF).
E.C. of 2.5 is a good target range under most conditions.
- Provide
complete minor element program.
- Use of
OsmocoteÒ or other appropriate slow-release fertilizer
products may be beneficial in supplementing a CLF program
and provides improved garden performance for the consumer.
Temperature/Humidity
- Establish
crop at 65°F/18°C average temperatures.
- Once
established, grow at:
- 70°+F/21°+C day temperatures.
- 60°+F/15°+C night temperatures.
- Portulaca
grow best when kept warm.
- Provide
good air circulation at all times.
- Maintain
relative humidity below 70% to prevent diseases like Botrytis
gray mold.
Light
- Bright
light or full sun is ideal for this crop.
- Provide
a minimum of 5,000-6,000 foot candles/ 53,800-64,600 lux in
greenhouses.
Pinching
- Pinch
out growing tip 1-2 weeks after transplanting.
- Light
pruning to shape plants or correct for stretch can be done
at any time.
INSECT
AND DISEASE CONCERNS
Insect
- Aphids
- Fungus gnats
- Slugs/snails
Disease
- Botrytis (gray mold)
- Root and stem rots
CROP
SCHEDULING
| Container
Size |
#
of cuttings per pot |
Time
to pinch (weeks) after transplanting |
Total
crop time* (weeks) |
| 4 |
1 |
2 |
8-12 |
| 6-8” |
3-4 |
2 |
8-12 |
| Colorbowls |
3-6 |
2 |
8-12 |
| Hanging
Baskets |
5-6 |
2 |
8-12 |
*Time to flower is advanced under warmer growing
conditions.
USAGE
Grower:
4”, 6”, 1 gal., 8”pots, colorbowls and hanging
baskets.
Consumer: Full sun plantings of gardens, rockeries, patio pots,
mixed planters, window boxes and colorbowls.
Note: Flower
size of Double Yubi is smaller than other series, but increases
dramatically under higher temperatures of summer.
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