Fall for a new crop

Photo courtesy of Suntory

Greenhouse Management: What sets Granvia apart from other bracteantha on the market?

Lorentina McKoy: The two biggest (pun intended) things that set Granvia apart are the massive flower size and super high vigor. No other bracteantha on the market can fill out an 8-inch pot in 8-10 weeks from transplant. In addition to the bright, bold colors, we have seen that Granvia has a higher resistance to powdery mildew and high heat tolerance, both in pot production and in-ground.

GM: Any production tips or recommendations for growers?

LM: For propagation, Granvia is not suited to root in a tray smaller than a 72 cell. Because of the vigor of the plant, the unrooted cuttings are much larger. Cramming them into a smaller tray size will cause uneven rooting and shading from the leaves. If not done so already by the stock farm, or if the leaves appear too large, cut the leaves in half before sticking. Best rooting temperature is between 70-75° F.

For finishing, Granvia is not recommended for containers smaller than one gallon/8-inch pot. Suggested crop times are:

• 1G/8in @ 1PPP for 10-12 weeks dependent on time of year
• 10in-13in @ 3PPP for 10-12 weeks (1PPP given 16 weeks or more)
• 14in and larger @ 4 or 5 PPP for 12-14 weeks

Use a soil medium that is highly absorbent and will hold water longer with each irrigation. No plant growth regulator (PGR) is recommended for early spring crops. For summer or fall sales, an early application can help induce branching before flowering. A Bonzi drench is recommended 10-14 days before shipping to help hold the plant and extend the shelf life of the foliage.

GM: What are your retail recommendations for this crop?

LM: Granvia will bloom under short and long-day conditions, so it is suited for sales from spring to fall. However, I always tell customers I feel it is best suited for fall sales, as something else to offer at the garden centers alongside garden mums. Granvias do great in large containers and complement bushel baskets, keg barrels, and fall pots nicely.

GM: How has Granvia performed in landscapes?

LM: Since the introduction of Granvia Gold, we’ve seen them used in landscapes all over the country. Granvia is a great stand-alone in mass plantings or will complement anything it is planted or mixed with. In the South, through late Spring and Summer, heat tolerance is the biggest factor. Granvia holds itself well through these conditions, especially once established in the ground. Like with other plants, the flower size is reduced a little bit in extreme heat conditions. In parts of the country, where it is less bright and cooler through summer, Granvia has proven to hold up well in partial shade/lower light conditions, and cooler climates, too.