Sun Cities Collection
- Competitive, cost-efficient alternative to cutting raised varieties
- Optimal trailing habit for baskets
- Large single flowers
- Drought and rain tolerant
- Excellent seed quality with > 85 % usable plants
- Low maintenance crop
Technical Guide: Click here
All information in our technical guide is based on our own trials and would therefore be as guideline only. Detailed cultivation aspects vary depending on climate, location, time of year and environmental conditions. Benary expressly disclaims any responsibility for the content of such data/information and makes no representation or warranty for the cultivation of any products listed. It is recommended that growers conduct a trial of products under their own conditions.
- Crop Time
- Spring: 14 - 16 weeks
- Height ∅
- 14 ″ / 35 cm
- Width ∅
- 18 ″ / 45 cm
- Exposure
- Sun - Shade
- Seed Form
- Pelleted Seed
- Best Uses
- Bedding, Hanging basket, Landscape
Culture guide
Usage
Ideal for hanging baskets, containers and garden landscape
Sowing method
1 seed per pellet. 288 tray recommended
Germination
Stage I: 7-14 days at 70-73 °F (21-23 °C) and relative humidity of 95 %. Maintain high moisture. Light germinator, do not cover pellets. Additional light (50 W/m2) accelerates germination and improves quality of the seedlings Stage II: 7-14 days at 68-70 °F (20-21 °C). Continue long day lighting (14 h) and avoid saturated or dry media, lower humidity levels. Water temperature should be 64 °F (18 °C) Stage III-IV: 28-42 days at 64-68 °F (18-20 °C).
Temperature
Grow at 60-64 °F (16-18 °C). 10 days before selling temperature can be decreased to 60 °F (16 °C). Temperatures below 57 °F (14 °C) will result in tuber formation and crop delay.
Fertilization
Moderate fertilization levels are required. Fertilize weekly with 150-200 ppm nitrogen, using a complete and potassium balanced fertilizer (N:K₂O-ratio: 1:1,5). Keep low ammonium levels, otherwise the roots become damaged. At high nitrogen levels the foliage can become very big. Avoid pH above 6.5, as high pH causes iron deficiency. Apply chelated iron, if chlorosis becomes a problem. To prevent magnesium deficiency apply magnesium sulphate (0,025 %) 1-2 times. Additional foliage fertilization with potassium supports compact plant growth and provides a dark green foliage color. Avoid high soluble salts in the soil.
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.
