bosgraaf hibiscus presentation
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Sunny Cities
Hibiscus2011-2012
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Presents
Historical Overview of Sunny Cities Series of Hibiscus
• Premier Dutch breeding
• Developed by 4 hibiscus growers from the Netherlands
• Formed association called “Hibiscus Workgroup”• 17 years of breeding
• In 1996 the workgroup started breeding their own varieties
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Historical Overview of Sunny Cities Series of Hibiscus
• Initial series introduced in the Netherlands and the USA had 9 varieties.
• Today over 20 varieties are offered in 2 series of Sunny Cities Hibiscus.
• Presently Sunny Cities has over 70% of the Dutch/German hibiscus market.
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Introduction into the USA
Hibiscus brought into the US for
introduction and production
purposes must under go a two year quarantine period supervised by the State and National agencies (e.g. MDA
and USDA).Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Introduction into the USA
• U.S. law prohibits free entry of hibiscus into the USA because of the six viruses that could affect cotton production.
• Bosgraaf Greenhouses has been in and out of quarantine during the past 10 years, leading to the present varieties being approved and released for U.S. production.
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Introduction into the USA
Because Sunny Cities genetics produce free flowering in Michigan
without extended days, the USDA has made the
unusual exception of allowing the quarantine period to be shortened
to 14 months. This means Sunny Cities
Hibiscus is growing and flowering year round.Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Strengths of the Series
• Free-flowering or flower power is outstanding!
• Internodal compactness gives a full foliage look.
• Longer lasting flowers
• Vibrant Colors• Bud-drop resistant
and extended shelf life Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Strengths of the Series
• Series is a multi-purpose hibiscus for use in the garden, patio or indoors.
• Can flower with as little as 10 to 12 hours of natural day length.
• Because of the above attributes, this series could have application for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, spring, summer, fall, and winter – all year round.
• Container size can range from 4” to 16” or larger.
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Presenting the Sunny Cities Hibiscus Series
Denver Charleston
Miami San Diego Fairbanks Las Vegas
JuneauNew York
Chicago HiloNashville New Orleans
Nashville Dark Red
New York Scarlet Red
Chicago Golden Yellow
Juneau Creamy White
Denver Tricolor Yellow, Orange, Pink
Charleston Bright Red
Santa Fe Sunset Red
Hilo Yellow/white throat
Miami Pink
San Diego Golden Yellow
New Orleans Apricot
Fairbanks White
Las Vegas Orange Blend
Presenting the Sunny Cities Pico Hibiscus Series
Pico Yellow Pico OrangePico Red
Pico PinkPico White Pico Apricot
Pico Red
Pico Pink
Pico Yellow
Pico White
Pico Orange
Pico Apricot
Timeline of Growing Culture
• Week 1 & 2 after potting – the maximum E.C. is 1.0
• Week 3 – roots are at the side of the pot (70° F.) pinch leaving 5 nodes.
• Week 5 – new shoots or breaks are visible, then increase E.C. from 1.5 to 2.5 depending on light levels and plant needs
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Timeline of Growing Culture
• Finish at an average E.C. of 1.5• Nota bene:
• Lower light level means feed at a lower rate
• Anticipating higher light levels allows you to preemptively feed at a higher rate.
• Winter – use mostly nitrate nitrogen & calcium nitrate
• Spring – (higher light and temperature) nitrogen can be composed of mostly nitrate nitrogen with low levels of urea and ammonium nitrateBosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Timeline of Growing Culture
Nota bene:• A high level of
urea can cause stretch
• A high level of ammonium can lower P.H.
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Cultural Information
SOIL• Use a well drained, sterilized planting
medium - pH of 5.5 to 6.0.• Most growers use a sphagnum peat-
based soil.
PLANTING: FUNGICIDE • Unpack cuttings and water if needed• Plant as soon as possible in the final
container.• A fungicide drench within one week of
planting provides additional protection for the young plant.
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Cultural Information
FERTILIZATION AND PH• Many growers sub irrigate the hibiscus crop.
Tube or hand watering can also be used.• Total salts can range from an E.C. of 1.5 to 2.5
finishing at 1.5.• Feed with equal amounts of nitrogen, calcium,
and phosphorus, adding more potassium during the last quarter of the crop time.• N:K = 2:1 during the first quarter
(maximum E.C. is 1.0) of the pot culture• N:K = 2-3:1 during the second and third
quarters of the pot culture (E.C. is from 1.5 to 2.5)
• N:K = 1:2 during the final quarter of the pot culture (finish at a 1.5 average E.C.)
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Cultural Information
FERTILIZATION AND PH• Iron is very important to Hibiscus
growing. • iron chelate dp can be added at the rate of
4 oz. per 100 gallons of water.
• iron deficiency is visible as chlorotic upper leaves.
• Magnesium can be used at the rate of 20-35 ppm during the whole crop.
• A high pH (6.5 - 7.5) can tie up iron and magnesium. Keep pH between 5.0 - 6.0.
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Cultural Information
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY• Ideal growing conditions range from 70°
- 80° F. during the day and 68° - 70° F. at night.
• Temperature is a factor in producing quality hibiscus.
• Lower temperatures can extend crop time and compromise plant quality.
• Humidity can range from 60% to 85%.• Ideally, average day - night
temperatures should be a minimum of 68 - 70 F.
• Additional pinches to any size pot adds time but also adds value and quality.
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Cultural Information
LIGHT CONDITIONS• Grow hibiscus with a maximum
amount of available light.
• Year-round production of hibiscus can require shading when growing under high light and temperature.
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Cultural Information
FLOWERING - PHOTO PERIOD REQUIREMENTS• Hibiscus will flower under natural
day-length conditions unless temperature and light levels are very low.
• HID lights can be added if low light conditions persist. However, supplemental lighting is not needed for photo period requirements.
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Cultural Information
SPACING REQUIREMENTS• Spacing can be done after the last
pinch. It allows more air movement and helps prevent fungal and stretching problems.
• Plant quality is maintained and enhanced by proper spacing.
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Cultural Information
PEST AND DISEASE PREVENTION• Thrip, mite, aphid, and whitefly are
potential pests.
• Effective control can be achieved by using Marathon, Distance, Orthene, Tame, Avid, Talstar, Decathlon, Thiodan, and Duraguard.
• A fungicide spray in combination with an insecticide spray can be effective.
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Cultural Information
GROWTH REGULATORS• The Sunny Cities Series can be grown
without any growth regulators, however, Cycocel can be used when growth is excessive. Rates for Cycocel range from 500 ppm – 1500 ppm.
• Cycocel as a spray can be used to tone and promote even bud-setting. Rate is 250 - 500 ppm (approximately 1/4 – 1/2 oz per 1 gallon water).
• Florel is used at 350 ppm 7 days before and after the 1st pinch allowing breaks to grow evenly.Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Cultural Information
SUCCESS IS MANY THINGS, BUT ESPECIALLY:
• Good light levels
• Minimum average day - night temperature of 68 to 70 F. Higher temperatures can increase growth.
• A pH of 5.0 - 6.0
• Good fertilization practices.
• Evaluating often = every day.
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Finishing Options
4" to 5" pot ( Pico Series )• 1 plant per pot - single pinch after 2 weeks• Pinch leaving 4-5 nodes which gives 3-5
branches. Use 350 ppm of Florel before and the pinch.
• After pinching do not give excessive light until breaks are 1" long - shade may be necessary.
• In Holland 4" are grown to a maximum of 18 per 1 square meter which is approximately 2 per square foot. Some spacing may enhance quality depending
• on light levels and finish pricing. • Crop time is approximately 11 to 12 weeks
after the pinch.Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Finishing Options
6" - 6 1/2" pot (2 pinches is also an option)• 2 plants per pot spread apart with 1
pinch.• First pinch occurs 3 weeks after potting,
leaving 5-6 nodes on each plant. ( Florel 7 days before & after the 1st pinch )
• Second pinch can occur 3-4 weeks after the first pinch, leaving 2-3 nodes.
• Crop time is approximately 15 weeks for a single pinch with 2 cuttings per 6" pot.
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Finishing Options
7" bush or pot • 1 plant with 3 pinches (or 2 plants with 2
pinches). • First pinch occurs 3 weeks after potting,
leaving 5 nodes.• Second pinch occurs 3 weeks after first
pinch, leaving 2 to 3 nodes. (can be 3 weeks)
• The third pinch occurs 3 weeks after second pinch, leaving 3 nodes (3 weeks?)
• Crop time 16-18 weeks. Spacing is 9-10 per sq. meter or 1 per square foot.
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Finishing Options
7" tree• 1 plant with 4 pinches• First pinch occurs at 21" in height. Stake each
pot.• Second pinch occurs 3-4 weeks after first pinch,
leaving 3 nodes.• Third pinch occurs 3-4 weeks after second
pinch, leaving 3 nodes. At this point strip all bottom leaves from soil level up to first pinch.
• Fourth pinch occurs 3-4 weeks after third pinch, leaving 3 nodes.
• Finish time is 8-10 weeks from last pinch. Total time - approximately 24 weeks.
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Finishing Options
10" bush or pot• 3 plants per pot with 3 pinches
• First pinch occurs 3 weeks after potting, leaving 5 nodes.
• Second pinch occurs 3-4 weeks after the first pinch, leaving 2 to 3 nodes.
• Third pinch occurs 3-4 weeks after the second pinch, leaving 3 nodes.
• Finish time 20-22 weeks. Spacing is 5 per square meter.
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Finishing Options
14" to 16" bush or pot• 4 cuttings per pot with 5 pinches.
• First pinch occurs 2 weeks after potting, leaving 5 nodes.
• Second pinch occurs 3-4 weeks after the first pinch, leaving 3 nodes.
• Third pinch occurs 3-4 weeks after the second pinch, leaving 3 nodes.
• Fourth pinch occurs 3-4 weeks after the third pinch, leaving 3 nodes.
• Fifth pinch occurs 3-4 weeks after the fourth pinch.
• Flowering occurs 10 weeks after last pinch. Total time - approximately 24-28 weeks.
• Spacing is approximately 2 pots per 1 square meter.Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
105 cell Liner and Six Inch Pot Pre-finished Production
Presently offered in both series• Single cutting per 105 cell rooted
liner.
Possible offerings for 2011-2012
• Pre-finished 6” stock plant of Sunny Cities with 2 plants per pot. These plants are shipped 2-3 weeks after the final pinch, and should flower approximately 9 weeks later. This has been pinched 5 to 6 times. Available during January to finish for Mothers Day.
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
Future Breeding and Introductions
• May of 2011 saw an evaluation of over 100 new varieties.
• Feedback and comments are needed from US producers as to where the breeding should develop and what type of series should we introduce next. Please e – mail us your comments.
Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
The End