Combo Chef: In the pink

This charming combination from Sakata Seed America incorporates three low-temperature crops. ‘Diamond Purple’ dianthus and ‘SuperNova Pink’ primula complement each other along the back of the pot with ‘Majestic Giants II Rose with Blotch’ pansy filling out the front of the mix.

‘Diamond Purple’ dianthus seedlings should be transplanted into a well-drained medium with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Dianthus is a soft-tissue plant and seedlings should not be planted too deep. Maintain temperatures of 62°F-68°F. Dianthus is not a heavy feeder, but fertilize regularly with a calcium-nitrate-based feed to avoid plant stretch and soft growth. Cycocel or Bonzi may also be used to control plant height. ‘Diamond Purple’ is bred to flower early and will generally bloom 10-12 weeks after sowing.

Transplant ‘SuperNova Pink’ primula into a 4-inch pot with a well-drained, sterile medium. Maintain a pH of 6.0-6.5. Feed with a well-balanced calcium-nitrate-based formula. Maintain temperatures of 59°F-65°F for vegetative growth. Keep light levels at 1,700-2,000 footcandles. When plants have six to 10 leaves and a well-established root system, reduce the temperature to 45°F for five to six weeks for flower bud initiation. After the plants are vernalized, raise the temperature to 59°F. Primula requires cool conditions and high humidity to produce high-quality plants. Good sanitation, watering early in the day and good air movement helps to control and prevent botrytis.

Transplant ‘Majestic Giants II Rose with Blotch’ pansy plugs into a well-aerated medium with a pH of 5.5-5.8. Avoid planting the plugs too deep to prevent stem rot. Optimum day temperature is 62°F-68°F with nights at 50°F-55°F.

Feed with 200 parts per million of nitrogen from a well-balanced fertilizer. Pansies are sensitive to boron deficiency characterized by deep green foliage, crinkled foliage and tip abortion.

Optimum temperatures, high light, good ventilation and low ammonium promote compact plants. B-Nine, Cycocel and A-Rest are effective, but avoid spraying too early before plants fill in.

Production

Dianthus ‘Diamond Purple’: Do not plant seedlings too deep; well-drained medium with a pH 5.5-6.5; maintain temperatures at 62°F-68°F; feed regularly with a calcium-nitrate-based fertilizer; control height with Cycocel or Bonzi.

Primula ‘SuperNova Pink’: Well-drained, sterile medium with a pH of 6.0-6.5; feed with a well-balanced calcium-nitrate-based formula; maintain temperatures of 59°F-65°F for vegetative growth; keep light levels at 1,700-2,000 footcandles.

Pansy ‘Majestic Giants II Rose with Blotch’: Well-aerated medium with a pH of 5.5-5.8; avoid planting the plugs too deep to prevent stem rot; maintain a day temperature of 62°F-68°F with nights at 50°F-55°F; feed with 200 ppm nitrogen from a well-balanced fertilizer; optimum temperatures, high light, good ventilation and low ammonium promote compact plants; B-Nine, Cycocel and A-Rest are effective for height control.

For more: Sakata Seed America, (408) 778-7758; www.sakata.com.

- Kelli Rodda

Recipe

a. Dianthus ‘Diamond Purple’

b. Primula ‘SuperNova Pink’

c. Pansy ‘Majestic Giants II Rose with Blotch’

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June 2008