Summer Stars
Item no.: DG0205R- FastraX perennial: First year flowering without vernalization
- Compact plant habit
- Perfect as mixture in containers
- Crop Time
- Spring: 16 - 20 weeks
- Height ∅
- 14 ″ / 35 cm
- Exposure
- Sun - Partial shade
- Seed Form
- Raw Seed
- Heat Zone
- 6-1
- Hardiness Zone
- 3b-7b
- Best Uses
- Bedding, Cutflower, Landscape
Culture guide
Usage
Perennial, first year flowering. Bedding and border plants, pot and mixed containers.
Sow time
December-May
Sowing method
2-3 seeds per plug
Germination
14-18 days at 68-72 °F (20-22 °C). Cover seed lightly and maintain constant humidity levels during Stage I.
Growing on
Transplant plugs 6-8 weeks after sowing into 3.5" (9 cm) to 1 quart (1 liter) containers. For larger containers, use 3 plants per pot. Avoid planting plugs too deep. Provide good ventilation. Begin fertilizing at 200 ppm nitrate nitrogen in a 2-1-2 ratio fertilizer mix. Avoid soluble salt buildups. Finish at temperatures of 45-75 °F (7-24 °C). Temperatures above 85 °F (29 °C) can cause flower abortion. Temperatures below 55 °F (13 °C) under short days will cause plants to form rosettes and will delay flowering. At lower temperatures, use extended day length or night interruption with incandescent lights to avoid rosette formation.
Media
Use a well-drained media, pH: 5.8-6.5.
Temperature
Grow at 13-16 °C or outdoors.
Fertilization
Moderate fertilization levels are required.
Stage I Starts with the radicle breaking through the testa. The roots are touching the medium. Ends with fully developed cotyledons.
Stage II Starts from fully developed cotyledons. Ends with the fully developed true leaf or true leaf pair.
Stage III Starts from the fully developed true leaf or true leaf pair and ends with 80% of the young plants being marketable.
Stage IV All young plants are ready for sale and in the process of being hardened off. This stage lasts about 7 days.
The cultural recommendations are based on results from trials conducted under Central European conditions. Different conditions in other parts of the world may lead to deviations in results achieved.
