Callistephus chinensis Gala Series
Large double flowers up to 3.5-4” (8-10 cm)
Pincushion petals
Strong, sturdy and long stems
Clear, intense colors
Also suitable as bed or container plant
Culture guide
Usage
Plants for the border, pot and container plants, plants for patio and window boxes, cut flowers
Sow time
January for flowering in May (artificial long days); May for flowering in September (natural day length); July for flowering in January (artificial long days)
Sowing method
3-5 seeds per plug, sowing in final pots is possible
Germination
10-12 days at 68-70 °F (20-21 °C), cover seed lightly with vermiculite after sowing. To prevent premature flowering, keep plants vegetative with a four hour night interruption
Growing on
Transplant plugs after 3-4 weeks. Grow on at 58-60 °F (14-16 °C). Cool temperatures promote a good plant habit, but may delay flowering.
Media
Use a well-drained, growing substrate with 20-30 % clay, 1-1,5 kg/m³ complete balanced fertilizer, 0-2 kg/m³ slow release fertilizer (3-6 months), iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 6.0-6.5. Use a sterile medium and sterile pots/containers as preventative measures against Fusarium and Verticillium. Field: sandy loamy soils with good drainage and moderate nutrition levels. Standard fertilization: 80-100 g/m² slow release fertilizer. Disinfect the soils in greenhouse before planting.
Temperature
Grow at 12-15 °C. Callistephus do not grow temperatures below 8 °C and do not tolerate frost. The lower the temperature, the better the plant habit but onset of flowering will be a little delayed. Lower temperatures combined with short days cause the development of a leaf rosette and short stems.
Fertilization
Moderate-high fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 100-150 ppm nitrogen (at 2 kg/m³ slow release fertilizer in substrate), using a potassium balanced fertilizer (N: K₂O-ratio: 1:1,5). Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. High nitrogen levels will cause smooth stems. Prevent magnesium deficiency by applying magnesium sulphate (0,025 %) 1-2 times and in case of iron deficiency apply iron-chelate for 1-2 times.
Field: N min soil value: approximately 150 g/m².
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.