Geranium

A dark-leafed interspecific geranium series, Sarita features large single flowers and boasts exceptional heat tolerance. ‘Sarita Sunstar Red’ is the newest addition to the collection.

Use a disease-free, well-aerated root medium with a pH of 5.6 to 6.0. An initial starter charge could be beneficial. Rooted cuttings should be watered well before transplanting.  

For the quickest growth, maintain 65 to 75° F days and 62 to 65° F nights. Slightly cooler temperatures will provide tighter, harder growth but will add time to production. Provide as much light as possible while controlling greenhouse temperatures (4,000 to 7,000 foot-candles).

Fertilize with 175- to 250-ppm nitrogen. Provide constant feed, alternating feedings between 20-10-20 and 15-5-15. Sarita geraniums respond very well to harder calcium nitrate fertilizers. Higher levels of harder feeds (250- to 300-ppm nitrogen) can work to control growth, increase flowering and add to shelf life.

A pinch is not necessary as Sarita is bred for branching. Florel sprayed a couple weeks after transplant can promote additional branching and suppress early flowering when growing in larger containers. Because Florel will delay flowering, do not spray six to eight weeks within sell date.