Download - Bosgraaf Hibiscus presentation

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


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.


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


• 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.



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.


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



• 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


Nota bene:• A high level of

urea can cause stretch

• A high level of ammonium can lower P.H.


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.



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.)



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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

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.


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.


The End

Download - Bosgraaf Hibiscus presentation

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