<em>Nierembergia</em>

The Suntory Collection’s Summer Splash nierembergia series consists of seven easy-to-grow varieties that flower profusely from spring to fall. Plants do well in flower boxes, hanging baskets and as border plants in sunny landscape beds. Summer Splash Compact varieties (Blue and White) reach 10-15 inches tall. The Summer Splash Patio varieties (Light Blue, Blue Improved and White) and White and Light Blue have a more upright habit and reach 24-30 inches tall. Plants spread to about 24 inches. Plants withstand heat and disease and are virtually unaffected by mildew.

Plant rooted liners (105 cell size) in a well-drained peat-perlite growing medium. The medium pH should be 6.0-6.5 with an electrical conductivity of 0.6-0.9. Plant one rooted liner per 4-inch pot, two liners per 6-inch pot and three liners per 10-inch basket.

Plants grow best when the medium is kept on the slightly dry side, but avoid wilting. Apply a constant feed of 150-200 parts per million nitrogen from a complete water soluble fertilizer.

Maintain day temperatures at 65°F-75°F and night temperatures of 55°F-60°F. Grow plants under high light levels (4,000 footcandles or higher).

Plants in 4-inch pots should be pinched two to three times. For every 4 inches of new growth pinch 2-3 inches or approximately every two weeks. Six-inch pots and hanging baskets should receive three to four pinches. Less pinching is required when plants are grown cool.

Monitor plants for thrips, mites, whiteflies and powdery mildew.

Plants grown from rooted liners in 4-inch pots are ready for sale from transplant to flower in six to eight weeks. Six-inch pots finish in nine to 12 weeks and hanging baskets are ready for sale in 14-16 weeks. For plants started from unrooted cuttings, add six to eight weeks to the production schedule.

For more: The Suntory Collection, www.surfinia.com. Jackson & Perkins Wholesale, (800) 826-5700; www.jproses.com.