Espresso Petunia

Espresso is a multiflora type, which naturally recovers more quickly from damage caused by rainfall. The mounded habit of the Espresso eliminates the problem of unsightly stretching stems, resulting in a much tidier display in the garden and greater longevity. This same characteristic makes Espresso petunias great for use in containers as well as hanging pots/baskets. The natural, low-growing, non-stretching habit means that PGRs are no longer required.

For more: Floranova, www.floranova.co.uk
 

Production:
Plug production (512 or 288 plugs): Use a well-drained, disease-free, peat-based plug medium with pH 5.5-5.8, EC < 1.0 mmhos. No covering needed. Use pelleted seed for ease of sowing.

• Germination stages 1 & 2: Keep medium uniformly moist, not saturated, and reduce once cotyledons are open. Media temperature should be 72-75°F, keep light levels < 2,500 f.c. Light benefits germination; daylength of 14 hours or more will improve seedling quality.
• Germination stage 3: Media temperature should be 68-72°F. Once cotyledons are fully open, dry the media down between irrigations to improve rooting and control floppiness. Keep light levels between 2,500 and 3,000 f.c.; 14 hours or more of daylength will improve growth rate, and HID lighting will be beneficial during periods of low light. Feed every other watering with 15-5-15, 17-5-17, and even 20-10-20 if light levels are high. Media pH at 5.5-5.8, definitely < 6.5, EC 1.25-2.0 mmhos.
• Germination stage 4: Media temperature can be lowered to 62-65°F. Dry down between irrigations. Keep light levels around 3,000 f.c. Fertilize as required using 13-2-13 to help tone seedlings before transplanting.

Growing on to finish (4.5-inch pots): Use a well-drained, disease free, peat-based growing mix with pH 5.5-5.8 and EC < 1.5 mmhos. Avoid burying plugs to keep the crown of the plant out of the media.

• Temperatures for rooting out after transplant should be 65-68°F. Temperatures for growing on can be lowered to 62-65°F. Avoid growing cooler than 60°F before flowering.
• Light levels should be maintained at 3,000 – 5,000 f.c. HID lights can be used to extend daylength beyond 14 hours during periods of low light. Night break lighting can be used but can cause stretching.
• Practice a good wet/dry moisture cycle to control height and root growth. Petunias can tolerate mild wilting.
• Feed 1 to 2 times per week with 150 – 200 ppm N from 15-5-15, 17-5-17. Keep media pH 5.5-5.8, definitely < 6.5, and media EC 1.25 – 2.0 mmhos (saturated paste).
• High pH >6.5 can cause yellowing of the upper leaves. Lack of fertilizer can cause lower leaves to turn purple or yellow.

Did you know? Espresso petunias make a tidy, mounded habit in the garden or container but have enough vigor to produce color for a long period.