Culture: Ferrara from Dümmen Orange

Introduction

Ferrara from Dümmen Orange is a performance-inspired early to mid-season red poinsettia. A star selection across regions, it’s first to finish, first to market, and first to sell. With deep red bracts and a strong V-shaped habit, Ferrara is the leading choice to draw the crowd for early season sales. Its narrow, upright form drives reliability in high-density production, while its fast response time promotes a quick turn-around in production – both leading to increased profit margins for the grower.

Highly uniform genetics and desirable plant characteristics cement Ferrara’s status as a dependable variety. Proven to be extremely programmable, growers from Florida to Canada have had success. Winning first place red for two years in a row at the Millstadt/N.G. Heimos Poinsettia Trials, Ferrara will be sure to accelerate to #1 in your program!

Vigor

Ferrara is a medium-vigorous variety that’s easily controlled with standard plant growth regulators (PGR). Early PGR applications are recommended to prevent excessive growth.

The combination of its vigor and 7.5 week response time can allow a 1 week later stick date for containers up to 8”. A later stick date may require careful attention to cultural conditions to meet expected timing. Ferrara is highly suitable in different container sizes, from small 4” (10cm) containers all the way to premium 12” (30 cm) planters.

Temperatures

For optimal vegetative growth, average day temperature should be maintained between 68-78°F (20-26°C), and average night temperature between 65-70°F (18-21°C).

Ferrara has reliable performance and proven versatility for production in multiple climates. It’s suitable for cold finish, and concurrently does not experience heat delay or late season stretch, even under Florida heat conditions.  

Grower Resources

Dümmen Orange offers several tools for you to promote a successful growing season. OnTarget™ is a graphical tracking system that plots crop height throughout the growing season, guiding greenhouse culture decisions to ensure an on-time and at-spec finished crop. Register for OnTarget™ at DummenOrange.com under the ‘Tools For You’ tab.

A web-based culture guide can also be found at DummenOrange.com. For detailed culture webinars by Dr. Allen Hammer, contact Info.NA@DummenOrange.com.

Consumer and retail appeal

The holidays are not complete without a festive poinsettia display. In a nationwide survey by the Home & Garden Panel, the number one reason for purchasing a poinsettia is to use it as holiday décor. Consumers prefer red and are willing to purchase poinsettias multiple times throughout the holiday season.

Ferrara guarantees a strong foundation with a vigorous root system and sturdy stem architecture. Consumers are attracted to its bright red bracts, long lasting cyathia, and extended shelf life. Ferrara provides stellar performance all season long and is sure to attract repeat sales. Rev up revenues with Ferrara this season!

For specialized cultural recommendations or to organize a trial order, contact QiuXia Chen at Q.Chen@DummenOrange.com.

Photo courtesy of Dümmen Orange