Petunia

Abrand new naturally dwarf non-stretching grandiflora petunia, Espresso Grande boasts superior garden performance. The compact habit is easier to hold in greenhouse production and results in superb shelf life during shipping and at retail.

Use a well-drained, peat-based growing mix with pH 5.5 to 5.8 and EC less than 1.5. Avoid burying plugs to keep the crown of the plant out of the media.

Temperatures for growing on can be kept at 62 to 65° F. Avoid growing cooler than 60° F before flowering, as cool temperatures will delay flowering.

Light levels should be maintained at 3,000 to 5,000 foot-candles. HID lights can be used to extend day length beyond 14 hours during periods of low light. This will promote more compact growth and earlier flowering.

Practice a good wet/dry moisture cycle to control height and root growth. Petunias can tolerate mild wilting. Feed one to two times per week with 150- to 250-ppm nitrogen from 15-5-15 or 17-5-17.

Due to the naturally compact, branching habit of the Espresso Grande series, little or no growth regulators are required.