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August 09, 2002
Growing annual and perennial flowers for cutting during the
summer is becoming a popular way for greenhouse operators to bridge the spring
bedding plant and holiday potted crop seasons. In many respects, outdoor flower
crops, particularly annuals,...
July 09, 2002
I selected the following plants because they are easy to
produce or offer a very specialized look. All of these plants have a place in
the component plant world and most will add something different to any
container. This is by no means all of the...
July 09, 2002
Well, believe it or not, it’s time for another
poinsettia season! Some of you are already tired of poinsettias, having done
poinsettia stock plants since last spring. Other growers are just rooting
bought-in cuttings and potting up finished...
July 09, 2002
Poinsettias can, at times, be a problematic crop, but being
aware of the more common nutritional, physiological and insect and
disease-related problems encountered during production can help reduce the
headaches. By watching for potential problems,...
July 09, 2002
With the advancement of perennial production, many operations are looking at their current fertility programs only to discover the traditional practices used with greenhouse crops aren’t always sufficient with many perennial crops. With a shift in...
July 09, 2002
B-Nine and Cycocel have been effectively used as a tank mix
growth regulator application for many years. The major benefit of this tank mix
is that it provides an easy-to-apply, medium-activity growth regulator
application. The spray volume is not...
July 09, 2002
Eye-catching color and vigorous growth have brought nothing
but popularity for Calibrachoa, and it has become one of the industry’s
hottest vegetatively propagated specialty annuals. Calibrachoa’s petite,
single, petunia-like flowers, finely...
June 20, 2002
Dallas Johnson Greenhouses has embraced sensible automation in many areas of its operation. But the biggest reason for improved shipping efficiency has been a conceptual change. The centerpiece of the change is a large staging area that is used to...
June 11, 2002
There are over 30 cultivars of ornamental peppers available.
Many of the older cultivars like ‘Filus Blue’ or ‘Bolivian
Rainbow’ are tall-growing and make excellent background plants in the
landscape. Plant breeders at the USDA in Beltsville, Md.,...
June 11, 2002
One of the main advantages of a retractable roof system is
that the size of the structure is not limited by the restrictive capacity of
mechanical ventilation systems. This allows the total growing area to have
fewer “edges,” resulting in a more...
June 11, 2002
Are you looking for a new potted plant that doesn’t
need pinching or disbudding; a fast crop for hanging baskets; an unusual plant
to make your container gardens stand apart from the competition; top-quality
plants that are easy to grow with no...
June 11, 2002
One of the keys to a successful scouting program is being able
to accurately identify the pests and diseases you come in contact with. The
following is a review of the most prevalent greenhouse mites.
Two-spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae):...
May 09, 2002
Last month’s article focused on options for material
movement when growing on the floor, but what about growing on bench systems?
Creating the proper environment for crops should be the single most important
criterion when deciding on a production...
May 07, 2002
To effectively implement a mite management program, you must first identify the mite species, understand its life cycle and determine whether populations are at an economically damaging threshold. This is accomplished through a scouting plan that is...
May 07, 2002
Controlling fertilizer and water use and runoff is a
necessity for some businesses due to their proximity to environmentally
sensitive natural areas or water sources. Reducing water and fertilizer use for
many businesses, however, is becoming...
May 07, 2002
During the Victorian period, flowers were associated with
emotions, strengths or moral qualities. Several legends in the naming of the
flower forget-me-not suggest everlasting friendship, remembrance and eternal
love. These correlations are still...
May 07, 2002
Most everyone who has been to Hawaii has picked up a
“Ti Log.” It’s one of those souvenirs we bring back to prove
we’ve been places, and while many of us have grown this plant at one time
or another, its use has waned in the last 10 years.
While...
May 07, 2002
Petunia x hybridia Hort.
is one of many members of the family Solanaceae grown primarily as an
ornamental plant, and the most economically important ornamental member of this
family due to its horticultural value. It is a popular bedding plant —
the...
May 07, 2002
Flower bulbs comprise a significant proportion of spring
production in many North American greenhouses. Their quick greenhouse time,
close spacing and “green” reputation (little fertilization
required, limited pest problems) are all attractive to...
April 02, 2002
Cuphea hyssopifola (False Mexican Heather) is one of the most commonly used annuals, renowned for its drought tolerance, constant show of color and ease of production. But this plant is only the tip of the iceberg for this group of really strong...
