Senetti has a fashionable new sister series that really sparkles! Frilly petals dance on top of soft grey-green foliage in shades of Light Pink, Sky Blue and Lavender, bringing a new color palette and flower form to the pericallis genus.
Although Senetti Sparkle may look dainty, these reblooming pericallis varieties are the most heat tolerant in this cool crop. Plants are also more compact than the classic Senetti series, reaching a height of 8 to 14 inches depending on the pot size. The Sparkles are a great medium-sized Senetti, in between the original series and Baby Senetti. Plants are hardy to Zones 9 to 11.
Bred by Suntory Flowers, Senetti Sparkle liners are available through EuroAmerican Propagators. Add them to your cool season offering and watch them sell out! Be among the first to offer the Sparkle varieties in your Senetti program this winter and spring.
Crop Timing
5-inch pots – one liner, 8-10 weeks
6-inch pots – one liner, 8-12 weeks
Gallon pots – one liner, 10-20 weeks
8-inch pots – one liner, 12-20 weeks
10-inch pots – three liners, 10-20 weeks
Temperature
Grow Senetti Sparkle varieties in a cool environment. Recommended growing temperatures are 55-75°F, with cooler holding temperatures of 50-60°F.
Feeding
Fertilize with 250-300 ppm Nitrogen. Keep pH levels between 5.0-6.8 and EC at 1.0. Senetti plants are heavy feeders, even at times of slow growth and in low light conditions. Senetti also loves iron and will show symptoms of iron deficiency. Add EDDHA trace elements to your liquid feed solution at a rate of one gram per liter and feed at a ratio of 1:100.
Managing Growth
Pinch once two weeks after planting liner, then pinch as needed for shaping. Configure is recommended as a chemical growth regulator. Senetti also is very responsive to daminozide (B-Nine). Paclobutrazol is effective at low rates.
Pests & Diseases
Watch out for aphids, thrips, spider mites and whiteflies, they're common pests for this genus. Spray fungicides preventatively. Powdery mildew can be an issue during cool crop production, keep humidity levels low in the greenhouse and provide good ventilation. A preventative drench with Subdue MAXX and Cleary’s every eight weeks will prevent root rot.