February 2020 - 33

CULTURE REPORT
10-4-8 plus micros at a rate of 5 to
10 pounds per yard.
As far as light, provide at least
5,000 foot-candles or full sun.
Supplemental lighting won't be
necessary if you're producing
outside as natural daylengths
increase in your location. In the
greenhouse, it's definitely a long-day
bloomer; it wants 14 hours or more
photoperiod. I have finished gallons
in our R&D facility and trials under
14 hours extended lighting and
have them blooming consistently at
exactly eight weeks old.
In the greenhouse, 'Neptune'
prefers daytime growing
temperatures in the range of
65 to 85° F. Night temperatures
should stay between 55 and 65° F.
Southern growers need not fret; our
liners and trials are right at home
in greenhouses that regularly see
triple-digit daytime temps through
the hottest summer months.
'Neptune' is hardy in Zones 5 to 9.
'Neptune' is more tolerant to
bacterial issues from heat, and
not as attractive to mites as other
nepetas. We like to start early with
a biological fungus product and
keep a population on the plant
as a preventive measure. Monitor
and scout regularly, watching for
pests like whiteflies, spider mites,
and aphids, and diseases such as
powdery mildew. Follow standard
sanitation protocols, and be sure
to provide good ventilation. Provide
adequate spacing between plants
to deter moisture buildup and allow
good airflow.
'Neptune' shows some increased
resistance to drought stress, so it's
a versatile choice, too. Plus, deer
and rabbits don't like 'Neptune',
so it makes an excellent repellent,
even near heavily wooded areas.
Birds, bees and butterflies,
however, love this plant - along
with, of course, cats, who often
nap not only near it but on it, so
they can take a quick nip whenever
they please.
'Neptune' tolerates a range of soils
from loam to sand, as long as they
drain well, and prefers full sun but
tolerates light shade, too. It reaches
about 8 to 12 inches tall and spreads
to about 8 inches. 'Neptune' is great
for perennial beds, or for border,
container or mixed combination
use - try it with rudbeckia or
festuca. It pops against dark red
or silver foliage, as well as red and
yellow flowers. This cultivar makes
a great alternative to lavender,
too, with less sensitivity to
overwatering and more tendency
to stay where you put it. It also
works well in masses or as a stand
alone. One of my top 10 favorite
new plants of this decade, this
amazing little herb is just a really
versatile plant overall.
For more information and other
new perennials, please visit www.
ecgrowers.com.
Will Kouns is perennial grower for
Emerald Coast Growers, one of the
country's largest perennial and
ornamental grass producers. He can be
reached at sales@ecgrowers.com.
Take a Sneak Peek
at our
HIPPY CHICK™ Violet | Petunia
EYECONIC™ Sunset | Calibrachoa
SOL LUNA™ Pink | Impatiens
2021
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For the full Danziger line as URC and Rooted Liners please contact:
Mike Fernandez: mike@danziger.co.il, Tel. +1-315-396-6684
Lisa Heredia: lisa.heredia@danziger.co.il, Tel. +1-239-248-0665
Randy Uhl: randy.uhl@danziger.co.il, Tel. +1-770-845-7350
http://www.ecgrowers.com http://www.danzigeronline.com
February 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of February 2020
