February 2012 Culture

Crop Culture Report: Impatiens Sun Harmony Series By Chanochi Zaks

With Sun Harmony, Danziger delivers what few can: impatiens that perform and excel in the brightest sunshine. Plants are covered in flowers even at the height of summer.

Variety Information

The Sun Harmony series features incomparable big 2-inch rounded flowers. Each variety is highly branched, compact and delivers excellent performance in full sunlight or partial shade alike.

Available in four colors — Magenta, Orange, Purple and Salmon — the Sun Harmony series blooms early and consistently from spring into fall. Bright, sizzling blooms rest against medium green leaves.

Plants form tight, attractive mounds and reach a height of 16 to 20 inches and spread to approximately 16 to 20 inches wide. Each is hardy to Zones 10 and 11.

Tested in 25 U.S. outdoor trials, the Sun Harmony series received top evaluations and accolades across the country in a variety of climates and conditions.

Sun Harmony varieties excel in patio plantings and garden containers, providing huge impact with their oversize flowers and vigorous branching.

Rooting
Use a disease-free, well-drained medium with a pH of 5.5 to 6.0 and EC of 0.6 to 0.9. No rooting hormone is required.

At this stage, reduce soil moisture to moderate levels, avoiding saturation. This will prevent unaerated soil conditions that might lead to low pH levels, iron deficiencies and chlorotic foliage. High light intensities, medium fertilization of 75 to 100 ppm, and lower temperatures will keep plants a healthy green while restricting their growth. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted within about 21 days.

Planting

Plant rooted cuttings in January to March for a spring finish. Use one plant per 5- to 6-inch pot, and plants will be ready for sales in eight to 10 weeks. In 10-inch hanging baskets or pots use three plants, and they will finish in 10 to 12 weeks.

Temperature

Provide day temperatures of 65 to 83° F and night temperatures of 60 to 70° F. High temperatures cause stem elongation, whereas low temperatures can result in overly compact plants.

Light

Full sun is ideal for optimum growth and development.

Fertilization

Provide low fertilizer levels for the first four weeks and moderate levels for the remaining crop cycle. When roots reach the sides of the pot, fertilize up to a level of 150- to 200-ppm nitrogen, 80-ppm phosphorus, and 150-ppm potassium. Ensure proper runoff to prevent salt accumulation because of sensitivity to high salt levels.

Irrigation

Keep well watered, and avoid over-watering. Drip irrigation is recommended.

Medium

Use a well-drained, disease-free potting mix. Maintain pH at 5.8 to 6.2 and EC at 0.5 to 0.7.

PGRs and Pinching

Neither are necessary for Sun Harmony varieties.

Pest and Disease Control

Maintain a vigilent scouting and monitoring program to prevent any insect and disease activity. Particularly watch for insects including spider mites and thrips and diseases including Botrytis and Myrothecium.

Maintain moderate humidity levels and good air circulation as a preventative. Drench with a broad-spectrum fungicide at liner planting.