February 2019 - 32

CULTURE REPORT
Argyranthemum
Grandaisy Series
Turn up the flower power and capture impulse sales
with bigger, brighter blooms.
BY DELILAH ONOFREY
Dark Pink
W
Yellow
hy settle for a standard argyranthemum? Grandaisy is a new intergeneric
hybrid that produces larger plants with flowers twice the size!
Bred by Suntory Flowers through its partnership with Bonza Botanicals
in Australia, Grandaisy is a cross between two genera - argyranthemum and ismelia,
commonly known as tricolor chrysanthemum or tricolor daisy. This is where the great
colors come from. This highly advanced intergeneric cross is a triploid hybrid and
protected by a utility patent.
Hardy to Zone 10a, Grandaisy is an annual in most climates. It produces a tough bushy
plant with a mounded habit and is free flowering. Plants reach a height of 18 to 24 inches
with a spread of 18 to 24 inches. Full sun is recommended.
Grandaisy likes it warmer than a standard argyranthemum and will continue to bloom
through summer in Northern climates. Grandaisy isn't recommended as a summer item
for the South.
In last summer's garden trials at Penn State University, 'Grandaisy Yellow' was named
" One of the Best " and " Best of Species " with a 4.7 score out of 5 points.
SALES WINDOW
Produce for early spring through peak spring sales. Growers get a big return with just
one cutting per gallon pot. Container suggestions are 2.5 quart and 1.5- to 2.5-gallon
planters. Pair with premium patio pots to maximize the price point. Grandaisy is not
recommended for 4-inch pots.
Colors include Red, White, Yellow and Pink Halo. New for 2020 will be a Dark Pink and
Red Improved. The Red has been improved for color retention and showier habit.
Consumers are crazy for daisy flowers and will love the vibrant colors and full, vigorous
plants. They are perfect for Easter and Mother's Day in decorative pots. Merchandise out
front and on endcaps for high-impact displays.
CULTURE NOTES
Crop times:
* 6-inch pot (one liner) - seven to 10 weeks, no pinch
* 10- to 12-inch pots (three liners) - nine to 12 weeks, no pinch
Propagation:
Store cuttings at 40 to 45° F for up to 24 hours if planting will be delayed. Stick
Pink Halo
cuttings in a substrate with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Recommended cell sizes are 50, 72, 84
and 105. Rooting hormone is not required.
* Mist for four to seven days. Average propagation time is three to four weeks. Avoid
water stress.
Red Improved
* Maintain air temperatures of 70 to 75° F during the day and 68-70° F at night.
Substrate temperature should be 68 to 75° F.
* Maintain light intensity of 500 to 1,000 foot-candles.
* Begin foliar feed of 50- to 75-ppm nitrogen using 15-0-15 NPK liquid fertilizer. Keep
substrate moist so that water is easily squeezed out of it but not waterlogged.
* Transfer cuttings to Stage 3 in five to seven days, once 50 percent of the cuttings
begin rooting.
Stage 3 - Root development:
* Maintain substrate temperature of 68 to 75° F. Recommended air temperatures are
70 to 75° F during the day and 68 to 70° F at night.
* Increase light intensity to 1,000 to 2,000 foot-candles as cuttings begin to root.
* Begin drying out substrate once roots are visible.

February 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of February 2019