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ulture onnection
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crop culture report:
Pericallis Senetti Series
The Senetti series, available in 12 exciting colors, has amazing fl ower
power and an upscale appeal that will turn heads at retail.
By Chris Berg
S
untory has earned a reputation of providing at 42-45° F; for the remainder of crop time, keep tem-
some of the most innovative genetics to our peratures at 50-55° F.
marketplace. The Senetti series of pericallis If temperatures become an issue in the greenhouse
‘Senetti Magenta Bicolor’
hybrids comes from their Japan breeding during later crop times, use 30 percent shade cloth or
stations. These dynamite plants come from sprinkle the foliage with water during the hottest hours
crossing members of the Compositae and Asteraceae of the day. Be sure to use only the amount of water
families. Plants produce a plethora of large daisy-like needed and sparingly enough that plants go into the
blooms in a unique, high-voltage color spectrum of evening hours dry; this will help avoid mildew prob-
blues and violets. lems later on.
Senetti loves cool, wet weather, which makes it a
perfect choice for early spring sales and planting in Light
the garden or large patio containers. The compact, Light levels of 4,500 foot-candles are ideal. During
mounded plants are covered in large blooms that reach days of high light levels or in the autumn months
up to 2½ inches wide. Plants grown under ideal situa- during the rooting of the plants, additional shade may
tions will display as many as 200 blooms at one time. be needed. Shading plants during the last three weeks
Gardeners can have confi dence planting these heavy of production may cause the internodes to stretch.
bloomers early, as Senetti will endure light frosts and
night temperatures down to 32° F. The cool, damp Irrigation/Fertility
weather of spring only helps initiation, ensuring a con- After the initial transplant, provide Senetti with a
tinuous blooming later into the season. strong application of 250-ppm nitrogen with 20-10-20
Plants can be grown and displayed in 6-inch containers, during the fi rst four weeks of production. Senetti is
but growing in 10- to 12-inch containers will provide the also a heavy iron feeder, so keep soil pH between 5.5
most impressive show. With its unique and upscale look and 6.0 with a monthly drench of STEM from Peter’s
in the garden center and superior fl ower power, Senetti Excel for additional micronutrients.
‘Senetti Blue Bicolor’
offers growers and retailers premium margins. Senetti’s vigorous root system will require a lot of
The Senetti series includes 12 varieties, including water on bright and warm days; this should be done
four Baby colors with mini fl owers. The top-selling with clear water only.
colors in the North American market are Magenta Three weeks prior to sale, switch to a phosphor fer-
Bicolor, Magenta, Blue Bicolor, Violet Bicolor, Deep Blue tilizer (10-30-20) to support fl ower production.
and Blue.
Plant Growth Regulators
Crop Scheduling & Timing Senetti are very responsive to B-Nine (daminozide),
Senetti should be scheduled for delivery into garden which can be used at 2,000 ppm every 14 days, depending
centers January (beginning in Southern markets) on the crop timing. Florel (ethephon) can also be used at
through May. Target holidays for Senetti include Val- the rooting stage to promote lateral shoots.
entine’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day. The secret to
success with Senetti is cool growing temperatures, so Pests and Diseases
these early holiday schedules are ideal. Aphids are the No. 1 pest for this crop, but spider
The longer cooling period you give your Senetti crop, mites and whitefl y can also be present during pro-
the better the overall crop quality. In 6-inch containers duction. Scout for thrips as fl owers develop. Powdery
with one plant per pot, fi nish time is 12 to 14 weeks. mildew can be an issue during the cool crop produc-
Finish time for 10-inch premium container with three tion, so keep humidity levels low in the greenhouse.
plants per pot is 14 to 16 weeks. A preventive drench with Subdue MAXX and Cleary’s
every eight weeks will prevent root rot.
Temperature
‘Senetti Magenta’
Immediately after transplanting, Senetti should be Chris Berg is director of marketing with EuroAmerican
grown at 68-72° F to root out during the fi rst 10 to 14 Propagators. He can be reached at cberg@pweuro.com
days. During the next four weeks, grow plants chilled or (888) 323-0730.
44 GPN February 2010 www.gpnmag.com
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