Surdiva Scaevolas

Suntory has transformed one of the most heat-tolerant bedding plants by making scaevolas more manageable to grow and maintain. The species native to Australia has a wild, rangy habit, but Surdivas have a mounded, semi-trailing habit, producing distinctive fan-shaped flowers on short terminal spikes. While growers once had to rely on pinching to keep scaevolas in check, Surdivas are naturally compact.

The plant’s three color offering — Blue, Light Blue and White Improved — are uniform and fill out containers nicely.

At California Spring Trials, Suntory will introduce ‘Surdiva Pink,’ available in 2016. Surdiva scaevolas are recommended for 4-inch production, window boxes and baskets. In addition to being grower friendly, Surdiva series continues to win awards nationally for its summer landscape performance.

Production:

• Plant rooted cuttings into 4-inch pots or larger.
• Use a well-drained peat/perlite mix with a pH of 5.6-6.0 and maintain a substrate EC of 2.0.
• In addition to liquid fertilizer, slow-release fertilizer is recommended with a longevity of three to four months.
• Water plants prior to wilting and allow substrate to dry out between waterings to reduce the risk of root rot.
• Extra iron applications may be required to promote good leaf color. Apply as iron sulphate drenches (avoid foliage contact) or iron chelate sprays or drenches.
• Purpling of the foliage can be a result of low phosphorous and is more prevalent in some colors. Moderate or high levels of phosphorous can cause yellow-red coloring in older foliage.

Plant Growth Regulators

The use of growth regulators on this crop is not necessary. Pinching can encourage the correct shape and act as a form of growth control. B-Nine (paclobutrazol) drench and Sumagic (uniconazole) work well on scaevola.
 

Crop Timing

• 4-inch pots – six to seven weeks with one liner and one pinch
• 6-inch pots – seven to eight weeks with one liner and two pinches
• 10-inch baskets – 12-15 weeks with three liners and two to three pinches
   

Less pinching is required when plants are grown cool.
 

Pests & Diseases

Monitor plants for whiteflies, thrips, leaf miners, aphids and mites. Prevent Botrytis, Rhizoctonia and Pythium. A broad-spectrum fungicide drench is recommended after planting.