These culture tips will help you get the best performance and growth and maximize your profits when you grow Oglevee CVI® cuttings. What follows are techniques needed to ensure a successful 4 1/2" geranium crop in the shortest possible time - five to six weeks from a rooted cutting.
Plants:
Oglevee CVI® Rooted Cutting
Planting Date:
Transplant rooted cuttings six weeks prior to scheduled sale date.
Media:
Sterilized artificial mix
Media/pH:
Zonals and Brocades: 5.8 - 6.2
Planting of Rooted Cuttings:
Transplant rooted cuttings upon arrival to ensure optimum performance; never stress a Geranium cutting. Bottom heat is considered essential for meeting the fast cropping schedule.
Spacing:
For both greatest economic return and plant performance, we recommend that this crop be started by spacing pot-to-pot. After three to four weeks, the crop should be spaced to four plants per square foot. If more final space is given, or if the crop time is increased, this will reduce your return per square foot.
Irrigation:
Water in thoroughly with 2-3 irrigations the first day. By the seventh day, healthy white roots should appear at the edge of the soil. If not, leach!
Temperature:
Night: 65ºF
Day: Do not vent until air temperatures reach 76ºF
Light:
Zonals need high light 3,500 - 4,500 f.c. In order to reduce flower stress and intensify flower colors, light shade may be required near the end of the cycle. A reddening of the petioles and stems will be an indication of too much light. Mature plants in the landscape are well adapted to full sun.
Fertilizer:
Constance fertilization program 15-15-15 or 15-0-15 at 250 ppm N. Make sure that a 10% drip (leachate) occurs with every irrigation. Bi-weekly or monthly application of Epsom salts at a rate of 2 lb/ 100 gallons will improve foliage quality.
CO2:
Inject as long as possible at a rate of 800-1,000 ppm, starting one hour before sunrise and continuing until mid-afternoon or until fresh air ventilation is provided.
Growth Regulators:
Apply Cycocel® at 1,500 ppm (1:80 dilution) 14 days after planting. A second application may be necessary on more vigorous varieties. If so, apply 14 days later. Spray a light mist to glisten, not run off. Spray growth regulators only on well fertilized plants that are not stressed; spraying on a cloudy day or early in the morning works best.