Grower Tips

Ageratum Artist(TM)

Ageratum Artist(TM) is taller (10-12") than most seed ageratum. The two Artist "Blue" and "Purple" are also more uniform and flower more consistently than their seed counterparts. They are excellent in containers of all kinds and landscapes alike. They are an excellent choice to fill in the mid ground of combination planters. Two colors are available.

*               The pH should be kept between 5.8 and 6.2. 

*               EC should be kept between .6 and .9, using the 2:1 method.

*               Artist is responsive to Sumagic and B-9.

*               Growth can also be controlled with cool temperatures, low 50s to low 60s.

*               Pinching is not recommended, although growers should use their own discretion based on plug size and finished container size.

*               200 ppm constant liquid feed of a well-balanced fertilizer is recommended.

Angelonia Angelface(TM)

Large flowers, excellent garden performance and extreme heat tolerance make Angelface an excellent plant choice. The foliage of these varieties is scented like concord grapes. Angelface needs a warm root zone to perform at its best so it is best as a late spring to early summer crop for much of the country. Three colors ("Blue", "White" and "Blue Bi-color") are available.

*               The pH should be kept between 5.8 and 6.2.

*               EC should be between .6 and .9, using the 2:1 method.

*               Angelface is responsive to growth regulators including Sumagic, B-9 and Cycocel.

*               Sumagic should be used with extreme caution since plants are very responsive to this chemical. Blue is the most responsive followed by Blue Bicolor. White is the least responsive of the three colors. A light spray in the 3 ppm range should be effective but adjust for your particular conditions.

Use of growth regulators other than Sumagic can cause flower delay so they should be used sparingly. Once weather is warmer and days are longer these growth regulators can be used more easily as Angelface will be flowering in much shorter amounts of time.

*               Plants will flower in much shorter time under longer days.

*               Stem strength will increase under longer days and/or higher light.

*               Use of Florel may delay flowering.

Lobelia Laguna(TM)

Laguna "Compact Blue with Eye" is a very free-flowering plant with excellent garden performance. It is great in mixed containers but will also do well as a stand alone variety. It is tolerant to both heat and cold.

*               The pH should be kept between 5.8 and 6.2.

*               EC is best kept between .7 and 1.0, using the 2:1 method.

*               Cooler temperatures can be used to hold the plants (55-60 F is good)

*               Compact Blue with Eye is Day Neutral, so it will bloom under the short days of early spring

*               Pinching should not be necessary due to the plants natural compact habit and good branching but may be used at transplant at the grower"s discretion.