3 tips for properly timing perennial mixes

Currently, growers are searching for plants that intrigue the next generation. One such option is perennial combos that cater to what the younger generation wants.

According to Zoltan Kovacs, the perennials product manager for Dümmen Orange, perennial combos in 10-inch or 16-inch containers are becoming more and more popular. Specifically, he says they attract younger consumers who like to have plants paired together because of how they look and the ease in taking care of them. According to Kovacs, the Mix & Match perennial combos from Dümmen Orange — which are a new addition to the market — can help growers catch-up to consumer demands.

“[Customers] can enjoy it in May and June and then enjoy it all summer long,” Kovacs says. “[These combos] keep up with market demand.”

For those growing perennial combos, here are three of Kovacs’ tips for maximizing the plants’ growing potential.

1. Plant everything the same week.

When starting to grow perennial combos, Kovacs has one basic rule: plant everything the same week.

One of the best attributes of the combos, he says, is having the plants peak at the same time. When that happens, he says, growers are priming the combos to be as enticing as they can be to consumers once they finish growing. If every plant in the combo is not planted during the same week, he says, growers can get uneven offerings that take away from one of the combo’s most important selling points.

“These were designed to all naturally flower at the same time,” Kovacs says.

2. Pinch the plants at the right time.

Before planting, Kovacs recommends pinching the liner of the plant. The specific pinch depends on the size of the liner, but he says it can help the plants grow evenly from the start. He also notes that growers using larger liners can do the initial pinch after planting the combos.

When plants are fully grown in the pot, Kovacs also recommends going through each plant and doing one more selective pinch.

“Pinches give you more branching, more flowering and evens out every single perennial combination,” he says.

3. Use supplemental lighting.

According to Kovacs, using supplemental lighting can be a way for growers to get perennial combos into consumers’ hands faster.

“You can shave off two weeks — at least — if you light these combos,” he says. “Light them for 15 to 16 hours each day.”

How much light and what kind of light must be determined on a case-by-case basis, Kovacs says. But if a grower is facing a large order or has less time to growing, using supplemental light is a way to perfectly time the combos.

Photo courtesy of Dümmen Orange