Garvinea series

Published April 26, 2016

Since its introduction, Garvinea has been extensively cultivated and tested around the world. Due to its vigorous, all-weather and disease-resistant qualities, the series offers several advantages for growers. Garvinea can be produced at relatively low temperatures, with little to no intervention of pesticides and no growth regulators, which matches today’s consumer criteria for environment and energy saving. The uniform plant material is multiplied through tissue culture and offered through rooting stations as hardened young plant material in trays.

Photo courtesy of Florist Holland

Production

Substrate and transplanting

Upon arrival, the young plants will be ready to be potted in 5- to 7-inch pots. Make sure the plugs are planted in the middle of the pot at the same level as the soil surface. It is recommended to use a coarse substrate and pots with proper draining edges and holes at the bottom to provide adequate drainage. The pH should ideally be between 5.5 and 6.0 and an EC of 1.0 to 1.5. If the pH is too high, the crop will start growing chlorotic (mainly yellow) leaves. After transplanting, the plants can be placed pot tight for an optimal microclimate.

Climate Facilities

Optimal climate conditions:
Greenhouse temp. RH Light
Week 1-3 15-20°C day & night <80 % 300 Watt/m²
Week 4-6 12-18°C day & night <80 % 400-500 Watt/m²
Week 7-12 Day: 8-18°C & night: 8-12°C <80 % 500-600 Watt/m²
The drop in night temperature allows the plant to set several buds and finish with a full canopy of color. During darker seasons, artificial lighting is recommended to maintain product quality.
Start irrigation from above for strong root development. It is ideal to start irrigation from below when the plants are fully rooted in the pot, using either an ebb/flow system or drip tape.

Cultivation plan

As soon as the plants are touching leaves, they can be spaced and moved to a colder greenhouse for hardening. This is approximately five weeks after transplanting. After another two to three weeks, the first plants will start to develop flower buds and flowers. After 10 to 12 weeks at the greenhouse, the plants are ready to be distributed. Consumers will then be able to welcome a rich-flowering Garvinea into their gardens for beautiful container pots and garden borders.

Please note: These guidelines are based on Northern European climate conditions and can be used as a starting point. Crop times may vary depending on climate, location, time of year and greenhouse environmental conditions. For tailored advice, please contact Florist Holland at florist@gerbera.com

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