March 2024 - 29

CULTURE REPORT
Another collection in the Super
Serie cyclamen is comprised of Carino
(green leaf) and Picasso (silver leaf)
series. Although they perform well
inside the home, these varieties are
bred specifically for their endurance
in the landscape. The longevity
and flower power produced by this
collection makes it an easy choice for
the home and garden.
Many times, growers will focus on
producing a crop as fast as possible
in an effort to maximize space and
reduce costs per square foot. Growing
and finishing quality cyclamen is no
different in that regard. The growing
protocols for producing a quality crop
of cyclamen can be summarized in
three points:
* Fertilizer rates
* Moisture management
* Disease control
FERTILIZER RATES
When devising a fertilizer regime,
it's necessary to know and understand
how well the plants can develop a
good, vigorous root system. Therefore,
in order to get the plants off to a good
start - whether it's in the plug stage
or after transplanting - it's necessary
to feed the plants with a calcium
nitrate-based fertilizer in order to
achieve a soil EC level from 0.8-1.0,
pH level of 5.5-6.0, with an optimum
of 5.8. Balanced 15-3-30, 15-3-16
or 17-5-17 fertilizers are some very
good formulations to consider when
deciding which fertilizer blend to
utilize, ensuring there's adequate
magnesium and a good minors
package added in.
Once the roots are established
and out to the sides and bottom of
the containers, the EC levels can be
lowered to 0.6-0.8 (in the soil) to
maintain good, toned growth. Overfertilization
will result in plants larger
than desired.
MOISTURE MANAGEMENT
Irrigating cyclamen to the proper
levels is essential to keep the plants
growing and provide adequate
nutrient uptake. Because Schoneveld
cyclamen have great root systems,
the plants are able to readily draw
up available water. However, oversaturated
media can invite root rot
diseases, as well as suffocate the root
system. Therefore, it's advisable to
maintain a medium, even moisture
level as close as possible at all times.
Plants can be allowed to dry down
slightly to maintain growth control,
but the plants shouldn't flag or wilt,
resulting in plant growth that may
be inhibited. Remember, it's all about
more leaf production.
DISEASE CONTROL
Because cyclamen naturally have
a dense canopy of foliage as they
approach finishing, the air movement
through the crop can be inhibited.
Preventative fungicide applications
should be applied to prevent Botrytis
and other foliage and stem diseases.
Additionally, Fusarium can be a
problem, especially in plants that are
watered overhead and are exposed to
splashing between plants and rows.
It's highly advised to place cyclamen
crops on drip tubes, capillary mats or
ebb and flow benches or floors. This
will greatly alleviate the incidence of
diseases spreading throughout the
crops.
PRODUCTION
Plug Stage - Germination
* Media pH 5.8-6.0
* Media EC 0.5-0.7
* Germination temperature 62-64° F
To achieve maximum germination
and usable transplants, cover with
Super Serie Leopardo
GREENHOUSE PRODUCT NEWS 29
March 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of March 2024
