Streptocarpus Galaxy series

Ecke Geraniums, LLC Oglevee Products’ Galaxy series offers improved breeding for streptocarpus. Plants were bred for multiple flowers and stem production, smaller leaf size, consistent habit and flower timing. The series has more compact foliage and flower clusters borne closer to the foliage.

Streptocarpus requires lower light to produce high-quality foliage and high flower counts. Maintain light intensities at 1,000-1,500 footcandles. Higher light combined with higher leaf temperatures can cause leaf scalding. Plants will flower all year, but with longer days the flower response time is faster and the flower counts are significantly higher.

Streptocarpus requires a warm environment to promote the highest-quality plants. Keep day temperatures at 65°-68°, and start ventilation when greenhouse temperatures exceed 75°. Keep night temperatures at 65°.

Transplant plants into a well-drained, low-electrical-conductivity substrate. When transplanting the rooted cutting, the top of the original plug should be at the soil level or slightly higher. Planting depth is very critical.

Streptocarpus is a relatively light feeder. EC in the substrate should be maintained below 1.0, and the substrate pH should be 6.0. Initiate a constant liquid fertilization program of 125-150 parts per million nitrogen using a 15-15-15 fertilizer as soon as the initial plugs have rooted into the substrate. Continue until significant color is visible.

The series has a wide range of colors including solids and patterns. The newest members are Aquarius (white with dark-blue veins), Andromeda (dark, velvety blue) and Virgo (bold red-violet flowers).

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For more: Ecke Geraniums, LLC Oglevee Products, (760) 753-1134; www.ecke.com.

- Jyme Mariani