Gazania

The vegetative SunBathers gazania series was introduced at last year’s Ecke Ranch pack trials. Named after famous beaches, the series started with two cultivars, Gold Coast (gold flowers) and Sunset (bronze flowers). The newest addition, Moonlight (creamy-white flowers) has more silver-gray color on the foliage than the other two. All three have a mounded habit and produce semi-double flowers with large centers that prevent the flowers from closing at night like seed-produced gazania.

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The SunBathers can be propagated in various plug tray sizes (larger-size 72 and 84 cells are best). Stick one cutting per cell filled with a well-drained propagation medium. A rooting hormone containing up to 3,000 parts per million indole-3-butyric acid will help improve time to root and rooting uniformity. Providing bottom heat (70°F-75°F) during propagation promotes root development. Mist cuttings for six to nine days depending on greenhouse environmental conditions Over misting results in slow rooting and possible root rot and Botrytis problems. Don’t pinch cuttings during propagation, but remove lower leaves and larger leaves to prevent Botrytis. Cuttings usually root in five weeks.

Transplant cuttings into finished containers (one cutting per 4-, 6 and 8-inch pot) filled with a well-aerated, sterile medium. The medium should have a 5-15 percent porosity, a pH between 5.8-6.2 and electrical conductivity of 2-2.5 mmhos.

Avoid excess irrigation and fertilization while plants become established to prevent slow root development. Once plants are established, allow the medium to dry to touch between irrigations. A wet medium promotes stretch while excessive drying delays flowering and results in foliage burn under high light levels.

Begin fertilizing plants two weeks after transplanting cuttings. Apply 200-250 ppm constant liquid feed using a complete balanced fertilizer with minor elements. Use a fertilizer low in ammonia and phosphorus. A slow-release fertilizer may also be used to supplement the liquid feed. Apply clear water if excess salts accumulate.

For best results plants should be established warm, 62°F-68°F average daily temperature. As root growth and top growth begin, temperatures can be reduced. For growing on, maintain 68°F average daily temperature and 55°F-60°F night temperatures. Plants tolerate lower temperatures, but flowering may be delayed.

Maintain a relative humidity below 70 percent and provide good air circulation to avoid Botrytis problems. The SunBathers prefer bright light (5,000-6,000 footcandles).

Plants don’t need to be pinched. Adequate spacing and good light levels are the best way to avoid stretching. If needed, plant growth regulators (B-Nine spray at 2,500 ppm or Cycocel spray at 1,500 ppm) can be applied before visible bud set to avoid a delay in flowering. Late growth regulator applications can increase crop time.

Insects that can cause damage include aphids, spider mites, thrips and whiteflies. Botrytis and root and stem rots are the biggest disease concerns.

Once rooted liners are planted, crop time is eight weeks for 4-inch, nine weeks for 6-inch and 10-12 weeks for 8-inch (1-gallon) pots. Crop time may be increased if plants are grown at lower temperatures.

Specifics

Name: Gazania SunBathers series.

Crop timing: From sticking unrooted cutting to finish, crop time is 13 weeks for 4-inch, 14 weeks for 6-inch and 15-17 weeks for 8-inch (1-gallon) pots. Starting with rooted liners decreases finish time by five weeks. Crop time may be increased if plants are grown at lower temperatures.

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Grower benefits: Plants can be produced under cool, bright conditions. No pinching.

For more: Ecke Ranch, (760) 753-1134; www.eckeranchtechhelp.com.

June 2008