Sakata Ornamentals’ cool crop combination includes ‘Bloomingdale Orange Bicolor’ ranunculus, ‘Floral Showers Red & Yellow Bicolor’ snapdragon and ‘Rebelina Golden Yellow’ viola. The genetically dwarf Bloomingdale series produces 3-inch diameter, double flowers on short, sturdy stems. They are extremely hardy withstanding temperatures as low as 23°F. Floral Showers is an extra early flowering series bred to flower under short day lengths. Side shoots also produce flowers early. The Rebelina series has a creeping habit with shorter internodes. Plants produce many small, fragrant, 1¼- to 1½-inch flowers.
For more: Sakata Ornamentals, (408) 778-7758; www.sakata.com.
| Production Sow ranunculus seed into a sterile growing medium containing plenty of organic matter with a pH of 6.0-6.5. Cover the seed with a very thin layer of medium or a peat/perlite mix. Keep the medium moist, never allowing it to dry out. Maintain the air temperature at 50°F-60°F. Once seedlings begin to emerge, reduce moisture and place flats in a well-ventilated and shaded greenhouse. Maintain 55°F-60°F during the day and 40°F at night. Apply 100 parts per million nitrogen to strengthen the seedlings. Provide 12 hours of darkness for active growth. During Stage 3 avoid temperatures above 77°F and fertilize every 10 days with 100-150 ppm nitrogen and maintain an electrical conductivity level of 0.7-1.0 mmhos (2:1 slurry). Avoid excess salt levels. Seedlings are ready for transplant when they have developed four true leaves Ranunculus becomes reproductive at the fourth true leaf stage so do not delay transplanting or plants will be smaller with poor foliage and plant body development. Initial growth after transplanting will be slow. Maintain temperatures of 55°F-60°F and never allow daytime temperatures to exceed 77°F. Transplant one plant per 4-inch pot and three per 5-inch pot. Ranunculus requires high nutrition. Seedlings require 12 hours of darkness for active growth. Long photoperiods promote corm development. Do not overcrowd pots on benches and allow sufficient space between plants to maximize growth. Flowering occurs 13-15 weeks after transplanting, (5-5½ months from sowing), depending on temperature. Sow snapdragon seed in a well-drained medium with a pH of 5.5-6 and an electrical conductivity of 0.5 mmhos. Do not cover the seed, which requires light to germinate. Maintain a temperature of 65°F. When the cotyledons appear apply 50-75 ppm nitrogen from a well-balanced calcium nitrate fertilizer. Providing supplemental lighting to extend the photoperiod 12 hours encourages vegetative growth and shortens crop time. Once the first true leaves develop, maintain an air temperature of 65°F-68°F. Increase fertilizer rate to 75-100 ppm nitrogen once or twice a week and maintain an electrical conductivity level of 0.75 mmhos. Seedlings are sensitive to high salt levels (above 1.0 mmhos). Once plants are established, night temperatures may be reduced to 50°F-55°F. For growing on, use a medium with a pH of 5.5-5.8. Electrical conductivity should not exceed 1.5 mmhos. Apply 150-200 ppm nitrogen from a well balanced calcium nitrate fertilizer. Sow viola seed in a well-aerated plug mix with a pH of 5.5-5.9 and cover lightly with the medium or coarse vermiculite. Water the medium and maintain a medium temperature of 64°F-68°F. As seedlings germinate apply 75 ppm nitrogen from a well-balanced fertilizer. Apply 0.25 ppm boron if needed to avoid boron deficiency. After the initial feed increase the rate of feed to 200 ppm nitrogen plus trace elements. Maintain cool temperatures and high light levels. As plug trays fill in, reduce fertilizer applications to 150 ppm nitrogen and continue to maintain trace elements, especially boron at 0.25 ppm. Optimum electrical conductivity is 1-1.2 mmhos. Transplanted plugs should be grown at 62°F-68°F days and 50°F-55°F nights. Fertilize with 200 ppm nitrogen. Supply 0.25 ppm of boron at each watering. Providing optimum temperatures, high light, good ventilation and low ammonium promotes compact plants. |
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