Torenia

Torenia

Torenia, commonly known as wishbone flower, can be used as both a bedding and pot plant. In the past, torenia was produced primarily from seed and sold as a bush type, summer annual. Danziger “Dan” Flower Farm has developed the vegetatively produced Moon and Solarina series.
 
Plants in the Moon series are vigorous and more spreading with a semi-trailing to trailing habit and large flowers. They’re suitable for hanging baskets and rock garden plantings, alone or in combination. There are 12 varieties in the Moon series.
 
Plants reach 6 to 8 inches tall and spread to 14-16 inches. They flower early and stay in full bloom all season with densely branched and delicate foliage, keeping a compact rounded cascading habit well into fall.
 
Plants exhibit excellent outdoor performance in high temperatures right through moderate winters, making them more suitable for early spring outdoor plantings.
 
The Solarina series consists of two varieties: White Veil and Yellow. Both have a medium semi-trailing to trailing habit. They produce an abundance of small- to medium-sized flowers.
 
White Veil has white petals with a tinge of purple that blends with the purple throat providing a unique contrast.
 
Yellow produces yellow flowers with a purple throat. It is exceptionally floriferous, making it ideally suited for hanging baskets.
 
Both series are best grown in full sun during spring and fall, while partial shade is required in mid-summer.
 
Cuttings should be planted in a well-drained, compost-enriched growing medium. Sterile, well-aerated mixes are best with a pH level of 5.8-6.0 and an electrical conductivity level of 0.6-0.9. Unrooted cuttings root easily in 12-14 days at 64°F-75°F. Addition of rooting hormone is not necessary.
 
Plant one liner per 4-inch pot; one to two liners per 6-inch and three to four liners for 10-inch baskets and containers. Plants in 4- to 6-inch pots finish in six to eight weeks and 10 to 12 weeks in 8- to 10-inch pots.
 
Provide day temperatures of 75oF-80oF and night temperatures of 60oF-70oF. Low temperatures result in slow, stunted growth and bronzing of leaves. Plants can survive temperatures of up to 95oF, under partial shade and with proper irrigation. Maintain moderate light levels with a minimum of 4,000-6000 footcandles. 
 
Avoid excessive irrigation or fertilization when the plants are young. Keep the medium well watered, especially in hot, windy weather.
 
Fertilize the plants regularly to help maintain growth throughout the long flowering period. Apply 200 parts per million nitrogen from a complete balanced fertilizer. Plants do not require growth regulators. Plants can get a soft pinch one to two weeks after planting.
 
Maintain good air circulation as torenia can be susceptible to powdery mildew. Also watch for aphids. 
 
For more: Danziger “Dan” Flower Farm, 011 (972) 3-9602525; danziger@danziger.co.il; www.danziger.co.il .