Pot and bedding - Dianthus gratianapolitanus

New Entry 2009
Dianthus gratianapolitanus
"Flavora Rose Shades"
Flowering period: May - August

Height < 25 cm
Spread: 25 - 50 cm
Habit: Spherical
Flower type: Simple
Leaf Color Light Green
Placement: Sun
Water Medium to low
Fertilizer need: Medium to low
Plant type: Perennial

Class New Entry 2009

DIANTHUS GRATIANOPOLITANUS, CHEDDAR PINK 'Flavora Rose Shades'

With its sweet fragrance, FastraX advantages and rose color shades, the new Dianthus 'Flavora Rose Shades' lives up to its name. Dianthus originates from the Greek culture meaning the divine flower and 'Flavora' is truly that. Flowering first year from seed without vernalization, 'Flavora Rose Shades' gives the grower uniform growth, compact habit, bench run production and summer long sales and beauty. Reaching heights of 20 cm 8'', 'Flavora' is a wonderful addition to rock gardens, mixed containers or well traveled areas in the landscape where its scent can be enjoyed by all. Pair with Pentas 'Northern Lights Lavender' and Rudbeckia 'Prairie Sun' for a combination that is sure to bring in the butterfl ies.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Crop Time:   Non-flowering plants 5-6 weeks; flowering pots (seed to flower): 11-13 weeks. Flowering pots including overwintering: 7-8 months

Sell Period:   May-August

Seed Form:   Raw seed

Seed Count:   0 K/g

Sowing Time:   February-April for flowering in May-July, August-September for flowering in the following year

Sowing Method:   Multiple sow, 3-5 seeds per plug. Alternatively, direct sow in the final pot.

Germination:   7-14 days at 20-22 °C 68-72 °F. Provide a thin Vermiculite cover, maintain uniform moisture level. Seeds are sensitive to waterlogged and dry conditions. From Stage II place under light and reduce the temperature to 18 °C 64 °F.

Growing On:   4-6 weeks after sowing, transplant into 10-12 cm pots

Media:   Use a friable, coarse-fibered substrate with a pH of 5.5-5.8.

Photoperiod / Light:   Daylength neutral plant. In early spring, supplemental lighting combined with temperatures of 15-18 °C 59-64 °F are recommended to encourage good fl ower development and plant quality.

Temperature:   15-18 °C 59-64 °F, start ventilating at 20 °C 68 °F. A minimum temperature of 15 °C is required for flowering to occur. Plants may be overwintered at 3-5 °C 37-41 °F.

Fertilization:   Requires low nutrient levels.

Cultural Hints:   Pinching the plants after potting will encourage an improved, bushier habit. Intolerant of waterlogging. Allow the root ball to dry off between irrigations. Keep on the dry side and provide sufficient spacing to prevent the occurrence of fungal diseases.

* Germination Stages (from seed to finished young plant)
Stage I: Starts with the radicle breaking through the testa. The roots are touching the medium. Ends with fully developed cotyledons.
Stage II: Starts from fully developed cotyledons. Ends with the fully developed true leaf or true leaf pair.
Stage III: Starts from the fully developed true leaf or true leaf pair and ends with 80% of the young plants being marketable.
Stage IV: All young plants are ready for sale and in the process of being hardened off. This stage lasts about 7 days.

Hint:
The cultural recommendations are based on results from trials conducted under Central European conditions. Different conditions in other parts of the world may lead to deviations in results achieved.