6. In 1996 the workgroup started breeding their own varietiesBosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
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8. Today over 20 varieties are offered in 2 series of Sunny Cities Hibiscus.
9. Presently Sunny Cities has over 70% of the Dutch/German hibiscus market.Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
10. Introduction into the USA Hibiscus brought into the US for introduction and production purposes must under go a two year quarantine period supervised by the State and National agencies (e.g. MDA and USDA). Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
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12. Introduction into the USA Because Sunny Cities genetics produce free flowering in Michigan without extended days, the USDA has made the unusual exception of allowing the quarantine period to be shortened to 14 months. This means Sunny Cities Hibiscus is growing and flowering year round. Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
19. Can flower with as little as 10 to 12 hours of natural day length.
20. Because of the above attributes, this series could have application for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, spring, summer, fall, and winter – all year round.
21. Container size can range from 4” to 16” or larger.Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
22. Presenting the Sunny Cities Hibiscus Series Denver Juneau Charleston New York Fairbanks Miami San Diego Las Vegas Nashville New Orleans Chicago Hilo
43. Timeline of Growing Culture Week 1 & 2 after potting – the maximum E.C. is 1.0 Week 3 – roots are at the side of the pot (70° F.) pinch leaving 5 nodes. Week 5 – new shoots or breaks are visible, then increase E.C. from 1.5 to 2.5 depending on light levels and plant needs Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
44. Timeline of Growing Culture Finish at an average E.C. of 1.5 Nota bene: Lower light level means feed at a lower rate Anticipating higher light levels allows you to preemptively feed at a higher rate. Winter – use mostly nitrate nitrogen & calcium nitrate Spring – (higher light and temperature) nitrogen can be composed of mostly nitrate nitrogen with low levels of urea and ammonium nitrate Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
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46. A high level of ammonium can lower P.H.Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
47. Cultural Information SOIL Use a well drained, sterilized planting medium - pH of 5.5 to 6.0. Most growers use a sphagnum peat-based soil. PLANTING: FUNGICIDE Unpack cuttings and water if needed Plant as soon as possible in the final container. A fungicide drench within one week of planting provides additional protection for the young plant. Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
48. Cultural Information FERTILIZATION AND PH Many growers sub irrigate the hibiscus crop. Tube or hand watering can also be used. Total salts can range from an E.C. of 1.5 to 2.5 finishing at 1.5. Feed with equal amounts of nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus, adding more potassium during the last quarter of the crop time. N:K = 2:1 during the first quarter (maximum E.C. is 1.0) of the pot culture N:K = 2-3:1 during the second and third quarters of the pot culture (E.C. is from 1.5 to 2.5) N:K = 1:2 during the final quarter of the pot culture (finish at a 1.5 average E.C.) Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
49. Cultural Information FERTILIZATION AND PH Iron is very important to Hibiscus growing. iron chelatedp can be added at the rate of 4 oz. per 100 gallons of water. iron deficiency is visible as chlorotic upper leaves. Magnesium can be used at the rate of 20-35 ppm during the whole crop. A high pH (6.5 - 7.5) can tie up iron and magnesium. Keep pH between 5.0 - 6.0. Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
50. Cultural Information TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY Ideal growing conditions range from 70° - 80° F. during the day and 68° - 70° F. at night. Temperature is a factor in producing quality hibiscus. Lower temperatures can extend crop time and compromise plant quality. Humidity can range from 60% to 85%. Ideally, average day - night temperatures should be a minimum of 68 - 70 F. Additional pinches to any size pot adds time but also adds value and quality. Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
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52. Cultural Information LIGHT CONDITIONS Grow hibiscus with a maximum amount of available light. Year-round production of hibiscus can require shading when growing under high light and temperature. Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
53. Cultural Information FLOWERING - PHOTO PERIOD REQUIREMENTS Hibiscus will flower under natural day-length conditions unless temperature and light levels are very low. HID lights can be added if low light conditions persist. However, supplemental lighting is not needed for photo period requirements. Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
54. Cultural Information SPACING REQUIREMENTS Spacing can be done after the last pinch. It allows more air movement and helps prevent fungal and stretching problems. Plant quality is maintained and enhanced by proper spacing. Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
55. Cultural Information PEST AND DISEASE PREVENTION Thrip, mite, aphid, and whitefly are potential pests. Effective control can be achieved by using Marathon, Distance, Orthene, Tame, Avid, Talstar, Decathlon, Thiodan, and Duraguard. A fungicide spray in combination with an insecticide spray can be effective. Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
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57. Cultural Information GROWTH REGULATORS The Sunny Cities Series can be grown without any growth regulators, however, Cycocel can be used when growth is excessive. Rates for Cycocel range from 500 ppm – 1500 ppm. Cycocel as a spray can be used to tone and promote even bud-setting. Rate is 250 - 500 ppm (approximately 1/4 – 1/2 oz per 1 gallon water). Florel is used at 350 ppm 7 days before and after the 1st pinch allowing breaks to grow evenly. Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
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59. Cultural Information SUCCESS IS MANY THINGS, BUT ESPECIALLY: Good light levels Minimum average day - night temperature of 68 to 70 F. Higher temperatures can increase growth. A pH of 5.0 - 6.0 Good fertilization practices. Evaluating often = every day. Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
60. Finishing Options 4" to 5" pot ( Pico Series ) 1 plant per pot - single pinch after 2 weeks Pinch leaving 4-5 nodes which gives 3-5 branches. Use 350 ppm of Florel before and the pinch. After pinching do not give excessive light until breaks are 1" long - shade may be necessary. In Holland 4" are grown to a maximum of 18 per 1 square meter which is approximately 2 per square foot. Some spacing may enhance quality depending on light levels and finish pricing. Crop time is approximately 11 to 12 weeks after the pinch. Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
61. Finishing Options 6" - 6 1/2" pot (2 pinches is also an option) 2 plants per pot spread apart with 1 pinch. First pinch occurs 3 weeks after potting, leaving 5-6 nodes on each plant. ( Florel 7 days before & after the 1st pinch ) Second pinch can occur 3-4 weeks after the first pinch, leaving 2-3 nodes. Crop time is approximately 15 weeks for a single pinch with 2 cuttings per 6" pot. Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
62. Finishing Options 7" bush or pot 1 plant with 3 pinches (or 2 plants with 2 pinches). First pinch occurs 3 weeks after potting, leaving 5 nodes. Second pinch occurs 3 weeks after first pinch, leaving 2 to 3 nodes. (can be 3 weeks) The third pinch occurs 3 weeks after second pinch, leaving 3 nodes (3 weeks?) Crop time 16-18 weeks. Spacing is 9-10 per sq. meter or 1 per square foot. Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
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64. Finishing Options 7" tree 1 plant with 4 pinches First pinch occurs at 21" in height. Stake each pot. Second pinch occurs 3-4 weeks after first pinch, leaving 3 nodes. Third pinch occurs 3-4 weeks after second pinch, leaving 3 nodes. At this point strip all bottom leaves from soil level up to first pinch. Fourth pinch occurs 3-4 weeks after third pinch, leaving 3 nodes. Finish time is 8-10 weeks from last pinch. Total time - approximately 24 weeks. Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
65. Finishing Options 10" bush or pot 3 plants per pot with 3 pinches First pinch occurs 3 weeks after potting, leaving 5 nodes. Second pinch occurs 3-4 weeks after the first pinch, leaving 2 to 3 nodes. Third pinch occurs 3-4 weeks after the second pinch, leaving 3 nodes. Finish time 20-22 weeks. Spacing is 5 per square meter. Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
66. Finishing Options 14" to 16" bush or pot 4 cuttings per pot with 5 pinches. First pinch occurs 2 weeks after potting, leaving 5 nodes. Second pinch occurs 3-4 weeks after the first pinch, leaving 3 nodes. Third pinch occurs 3-4 weeks after the second pinch, leaving 3 nodes. Fourth pinch occurs 3-4 weeks after the third pinch, leaving 3 nodes. Fifth pinch occurs 3-4 weeks after the fourth pinch. Flowering occurs 10 weeks after last pinch. Total time - approximately 24-28 weeks. Spacing is approximately 2 pots per 1 square meter. Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
69. 105 cell Liner and Six Inch Pot Pre-finished Production Presently offered in both series Single cutting per 105 cell rooted liner. Possible offerings for 2011-2012 Pre-finished 6” stock plant of Sunny Cities with 2 plants per pot. These plants are shipped 2-3 weeks after the final pinch, and should flower approximately 9 weeks later. This has been pinched 5 to 6 times. Available during January to finish for Mothers Day. Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
70. Future Breeding and Introductions May of 2011 saw an evaluation of over 100 new varieties. Feedback and comments are needed from US producers as to where the breeding should develop and what type of series should we introduce next. Please e – mail us your comments. Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. • July 2011
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