Helianthus Solara

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Annual

Familiy, Origin:Asteraceae, North America

Sitelocation:Full sun

Garden Height:150 cm,59,06 inch

Crop Time:Plug crop: 3-5 weeks; Cut flower production: 10-12 weeks

Sell Period:cuts July-October

Seed Form:Raw Seed

Sowing Method:1-2 seeds per plug, sowing directly into field is recommended

Germination:Field: 10-15 days at 15 °C, Greenhouse: Stage I: 5-10 days at 21-24 °C, Stage II: 5-8 days at 18-20 °C, Stage III and IV: 7-14 days at 15-17 °C, in media with low soluble salt levels and pH: 5.5-6.2. Cover seed with vermiculite, sand or substrate after sowing. Keep soil slightly moist but not wet. Field: sow the seeds 3-4 cm deep.

Plug Culture:From Stage II reduce the soil moisture, but the plug should not dry out. The temperatures should be not below 12 °C, because low temperatures are a cause for bad and slow germination and for yellow edged leaves (iron-deficiency). Keep short days by darkening for a compact and uniform growth. The short day decreases the cultivation time and the flowering is earlier, too. In early spring supplemental lighting is recommended after germination immediately. Do not let soluble salt level rise above 0,75 EC.

Growing On:Plant cut flowers in 5-10x40-70 cm space, approximately 30-35 plants per m2.

Media:Field: Before sowing treat substrate with herbicide or fight the weeds mechanically and fertilize the field. Greenhouse: Use a well-drained, growing substrate with 15-30 % clay, 1-3 kg/m2 complete balanced fertilizer, 0-2 kg/m2 slow release fertilizer (3-6 months), Fe-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.5-6.2.

Photoperiod / Light:Field: Sunny and warm locations. Greenhouse: Short day plant. Keep light levels high. For the flowering Helianthus need short day (maximum 13 h) and high light intensity. Keep short days by darkening for a compact and uniform growth. The short day decreases the cultivation time by 3 weeks and the flowering is earlier, too. In early spring assimilation light is effective for short day. Light deficiency is a cause for shoot stretching and will increase the cultivation time. The short day can be finished when the bud's colours are visible.

Temperature:Field: cultivation is possible from April onwards. Grow at 15-18 °C. Cultivate flowering plants not below 12 °C. Helianthus plants do not tolerate frost.?

Fertilization:Field: N min soil value: approximately 150 g/m2. Greenhouse: High fertilization levels are required.

Cut Flowers:Cut flower stems can be harvested, when the flower are at least half open and the petals are just beginning to show colour. Remove the bottom leaves and put the stems in warm water. Vase life: 8-10 days. Cold storage is not recommended.

Cultural Hints:The distance between plants determines the flower diameter. Pinching of the plant tops is possible. The result are at least 2 stems per plant, but the cultivation time increases by 1-2 weeks.