Nemesia x hybrida

Growers looking for crops that offer flexibility in production schedules should consider Nemesia x hybrida Sachet series from the Ecke Ranch. It is part of the company’s Fast Crop program, so plants can be produced for quick turnover after peak selling weeks.

The series has five cultivars, all of which produce fragrant flowers on upright, compact plants. Compact Vanilla Sachet is the most fragrant. They are ideal for 4- to 6-inch pots and can be used in specimen containers, hanging baskets and as color accents in combination planters. They can be produced with other cool crops such as pansies and perennials.

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Stick unrooted cuttings, two per plug cell (72-, 84- or 105-size plugs), in a well-drained growing medium with a pH of 5.5-6.0 and electrical conductivity of 0.75-0.80. Cuttings can be treated with a rooting hormone (up to 2,500 parts per million indolebutyric acid or a combination of IBA with 500 ppm naphthaleneacetic acid. Bottom heat usually hastens root development. Maintain a soil temperature of 70°F-75°F.

Before transplanting, pinch cuttings during the third week of propagation to encourage multiple branching.

Apply B-Nine growth as a 1,500 ppm spray starting about one week after sticking to prevent stretching. Weekly applications can be made as needed up until transplanting. Cuttings usually root in four weeks.

After rooted cuttings are transplanted, avoid excessive applications of water and fertilizer. Feed with 200-250 ppm nitrogen constant liquid feed from a complete, well-balanced fertilizer. Optimum medium electrical conductivity is 2-2.5. Alternate with calcium nitrate on a regular basis and provide minor elements with additional iron using iron chelate or iron sulfate. A slow-release fertilizer can also be topdressed. Periodic clear-water applications can prevent soluble-salts accumulation.

Maintain a temperature of 65°F until plants become established. Grow on at 50°F-70°F during the day and 45°F-60°F at night. Low temperatures slow growth, but promote flowering and compact growth. Humidity should not exceed 70 percent to prevent disease problems such as Botrytis. Bright light (minimum of 5,000-6,000 footcandles) is best.

A second pinch can be done about two weeks after transplanting rooted cuttings. Additional pruning can shape plants. Flowering usually occurs five to six weeks after pinching. Consider applying a fungicide spray following any hard pinch to prevent Botrytis.

Nemesia responds to the plant growth regulator Florel, which stimulates lateral branching. Various application rates should be trialed on a small number of plants.

Spray applications of B-Nine at 2,500 ppm can be made before flower buds are visible to minimize stretching. Bonzi (10 parts per million) and Sumagic (5 ppm) can also be applied to prevent stretch.

Insect pests include aphids, fungus gnats, mealybugs, spider mites, thrips and whiteflies. Disease pathogens include Botrytis, root and stem rots and viruses.

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

Specifics

Name: Nemesia x hybrida

Crop timing: Crop time for 4-inch pots planted with one rooted cutting is seven to 10 weeks. Six-inch pots containing two rooted cuttings finish in nine to 12 weeks. A 10-inch hanging basket with five cuttings is ready in 10-13 weeks.

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Grower benefits: It can be grown cool or warm, depending on whether a grower is trying to save money on energy or looking to finish a crop quickly. It can be grown in various sizes of containers as a specimen plant, in combinations or in hanging baskets.