Viola Velocity Series
Violas are traditionally thought of as a crop to sell in early spring or fall — consumers definitely don't think about them providing flower power throughout the summer. In most areas of the country, violas will fizzle out in the heat of the summer months, but Velocity violas have been bred to dispel the notion that violas just can't take the heat: They flourish from spring through the heat of the summer until the first frost. Performance in full sun is exceptional; they continue to flower and set bud while maintaining a desirable mounded habit. Velocities are very grower friendly with a fast crop time. Consumer appeal at retail, ease for the grower and a lasting performance in the landscape make Velocity violas a winner.
Velocity Violas are available in a full range of colors, including Lemon and Plum Picotee, Lavender with Yellow Eye, Baby Blue, Purple Bicolor and White. A clear, bright yellow also will be introduced to the series soon.
Media and Fertilization
Transplant to a well-drained media with the pH adjusted to 6.0. Fertilize with a well-balanced fertilizer complete with minor elements at a rate of 250-ppm nitrogen. A nitrate-based fertilizer such as a 17-4-17 will promote toned growth, while excess ammoniacal nitrogen and moisture will promote stretch. Avoid overirrigation and overfertilization, which will slow establishing after transplant. Maintain the pH at 5.8-6.2 and the EC below 2.0. Adding a slow-release fertilizer will enhance performance for the consumer.
Lighting and Temperature
Velocity violas are day neutral and do not require lighting for early spring production. However, they are light accumulators, and plant quality and flower count will increase as the total amount of light received increases. Velocity violas should be grown in a greenhouse environment under as much light as possible. Production in greenhouses with retractable roofs or field production is a possibility.
To reduce crop time, grow Velocity violas at 60¡ F night temperatures. They can be grown cooler, but this will extend crop time. Avoid colder temperatures while the plants are establishing. Once they are established, temperatures can be reduced, but crop timing will be extended.
Growth Regulation
Pinch plants two weeks after transplant or once established to maximize branching. Larger container sizes may require additional pinches to maintain habit. Additional pinches will increase crop time by approximately six weeks. Florel (ethephon) will abort flower buds and should not be used to replace a mechanical pinch.
If plants are pinched and grown with adequate spacing and good light levels, PGR use should not be necessary. Should growth regulation be necessary, a Bonzi (paclobutrazol) spray at 10 ppm is recommended. Sprays can be made at 10- to 14-day intervals but should be discontinued two weeks prior to sale. A negative DIF is also an effective means of controlling height.
Garden Performance
In the garden, Velocity violas will thrive in full sun. Avoid full to part shade to avoid unwanted stretch and undesirable garden appearance. Velocity violas are heat tolerant and perform very well in humid regions. Adequate moisture in full sun and high heat will be necessary for best garden performance. They will flower from spring to first frost and will overwinter to Zone 6.
Ease for the grower, great consumer appeal and superior garden performance make Velocity violas an easy choice. They are bred to offer the benefits of a short crop time and "no-fuss" production for the grower. Consumers can enjoy them in the landscape, monoculture pots or as an interesting addition to combination plantings.
Complete cultural guidelines are available at www.ecke.com. For answers to culture questions, visit www.eckeranchtechhelp.com and post your questions on the Annuals Forum or call (760) 753-1134.
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