Pericallis hybrida Primavera

Pericallis hybrida Primavera from Danziger “Dan” Flower Farm blooms early spring through summer. Suitable for pot plants, large containers and gardens, it boasts a compact habit and continuous flowering. It performs well at low temperatures and displays very large blooms. The series includes four colors: Blue Eye, Blueberry, Denim and Fuchsia.

For more: Danziger “Dan” Flower Farm, danziger@danziger.co.il or danziger.co.il

Production:

• Plant one plant per quart to gallon pot. Plants will be ready from rooted cuttings in 15 to 17 weeks for early spring sales.
• Pinch once in week 4. Primavera requires little to no plant growth regulators, but if one is necessary, consider a B-Nine/A-Rest tank mix at 3,750 ppm/10 ppm in week four, after transplant (week 6) and one more time before finishing.
• Choose a well-drained, disease-free potting mix. Maintain pH at 5.8 to 6.2 and electrical conductivity (EC) at 0.8 to 1.0 during rooting and 1.2 to 1.4 after transplant.
• The best quality comes in cool production. Can be grown warmer to speed up timing, but beware of powdery mildew.
• Keep plants moist but not over-watered, and keep leaves dry.
• Pericallis can be a heavy feeder. Mist with 50 ppm nitrogen during rooting, then fertilize with a constant feed of a balanced fertilizer on an increasing scale as production grows later: week 3 to 5, 150 to 250 ppm nitrogen; week 6 to 17, 200 to 300 ppm nitrogen.
• Provide high light levels, minimum 6,000 foot candles, or full to partial sun.
• Maintain daytime temperatures of 72 to 74°F during rooting, 60 to 65°F weeks 4 and 5, and 55 to 58°F from week 6 through finishing.
• Maintain a vigilant scouting and monitoring program to prevent any insect and disease activity. Pay particular attention to the possibility of powdery mildew, especially if producing in warmer temperatures. Maintain moderate humidity levels and good air circulation. Drench with a broad-spectrum fungicide at planting and at transplant as a preventive. Spray for powdery mildew just before transplant and once more between weeks 6 and 17.

Did you know?
Growing Pericallis is a cross between producing geraniums and osteospermums. Keep leaves dry and plants cool.