Salvia nemorosa Sallyrosa April Night

Salvia nemorosa Sallyrosa April Night blooms about a month earlier than most varieties and the species in general. Ease of production sets it apart—it requires no vernalization for flowering and is low maintenance. Plants are more upright and possess stronger branching than the species. Sturdy and strong, April Night features an upright growth habit and stays a petite 12 to 14 inches high. Bloom time is also longer than other varieties—flowers appear from spring on through summer (approximately May through July). Ideal in gardens, patios, pots and mixed containers alike, it prefers full to partial sun. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 11.

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Production:

• For rooting, use a disease-free, well-drained medium with a pH of 5.8 to 6.2 and electrical conductivity (EC) of 0.8 to 0.9. Stick one liner per cell. After stick, spray with B-Nine plant growth regulator, and consider a B-Nine/A-Rest tank mix in week 2 if needed. Spray with a broad-spectrum fungicide after planting and again at week 2. No rooting hormone is required. At this stage, reduce soil moisture to moderate levels, avoiding saturation. Pinch in week 3 after sticking. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted within about 35 days.
   
• Plant rooted cuttings in January to March for a spring finish. Use one plant per quart or gallon, and plants will be ready for sales in approximately 8-13 weeks.
   
• For rooting out, provide a soil temperature of 72°F to 74°F. For growing on in week 3 and beyond, reduce temperatures to 65°F to 68°F average daily temperature.
   
• Light levels of at least 5,000 foot candles are ideal for optimum growth and development. Supplemental lighting can be used for liner production in low light situations.
   
• Provide low fertilizer levels for the first two weeks and moderate levels for the remaining crop cycle. During weeks 1 and 2, mist with 50 ppm nitrogen. From week 3 on, constant feed with a balanced fertilizer (100 to 150 ppm nitrogen) that contains average micronutrients.
   
• April Night prefers moderate to moist conditions. Keep well-watered, and avoid over-watering to prevent root damage. Drip irrigation is recommended. Leach periodically to prevent salt accumulation.
   
• Use a well-drained, disease-free potting mix. Maintain a pH of 5.8 to 6.2 throughout production. Start with an EC level of 0.8 in week 1 (calculated via the 2:1 extraction method); then increase to approximately 0.8 to 0.9 for week 2. For week 3 to finish, increase EC to 0.9 to 1.0.
   
• Pinch plants in week 3. Apply B-Nine at a rate of approximately 2,500 ppm after stick, and again in weeks 4 and 5 if needed. April Night responds particularly well to Bonzi drenches. Consider applying a 2 ppm drench in week 2 after transplant.
   
• Maintain a vigilant scouting and monitoring program to prevent any insect and disease activity. Particularly watch for insects including aphids and thrips and for diseases including pythium, rhizoctonia, and botrytis. Maintain moderate humidity levels and good air circulation as a preventive. Drench with a broad-spectrum fungicide at liner planting, and rotate with a different fungicide at transplant.

Did you know?

April Night offers excellent tolerance to drought and mildew. It attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, and is rabbit- and deer-resistant.