North Carolina .<£i^*>, Flower Growers' x Bulletin Volume 40, Number 3 June, 1995 F*G *A

Official Publication ofthe North Carolina Commercial Flower Growers' Association

A Penny for Your Pensees

Douglas A. Bailey, Dept. of Horticultural Science, James R. Baker, Dept. of Entomology, and Ronald K. Jones, Dept. of Plant Pathology North Carolina State University Pansies have become the most popular traced back to the French word pensee, meaning annualfor mid-fall to late-springcolor thought or remembrance. The wild pansy is in the Southeast. Intensive breeding different from other violas in two distinct ways: programs that have selected for unique flower O Wild pansies grow from the ground on one colors, large flower size, greater flower number, main stem then branchabove the ground, whereas and temperature tolerance have led to many new violas branch below the ground on stolons with and exciting cultivars to selectfrom for use in the many plants sharing the same root system; and landscape. Thisarticle was writtento give readers @Wild pansies have blooms that arelarger and an appreciationfor history anddiversityoftoday's more round than viola flowers (Liberty Hyde pansy as well as offer production advice. Bailey Hortorium, 1976). By the early 1600*8, wild pansies were cultivated in Europe by many History gardeners. The modern pansy, Viola X wittrockiana, is The origin of the plant we now call pansy thought to have derived from Viola tricolor, a began in England (National Garden Bureau, native ofcentral Europe. Although pansies are a 1993). Between 1814 and 1839, Lord Bambier perennial in cooler climates, they are grown as a and his gardener William Thompson began cool season annual in the Southeast and rarely crossing various Viola species in the southern survive our summer heat. The genus Viola is England town ofIver, Buckinghamshire; located very large, containing over 500 species (Liberty near Beaconsfield, just northwest of London. Hyde Bailey Hortorium, 1976), and it belongs to The records of these two breeders indicate that the family Violaceae. The Greeks of the 4th crosses were made among V. tricolor, V. lutea, century B.C. were familiar with violas, and they and a blue flowered species possible of Russian cultivated them as medicinal herbs. origin, V. altacia. Bambier and Thompson Wild pansies {Viola tricolor), were first selected plants for unusual colors, color described by Gerard in 1587. The name pansy is combinations,increasingflowersize, andshorter N.C. Flower Growers' Bulletin • June, 1995 Volume 40, Number 3

stems. Historygivescreditto WilliamThompson AAS Winnerin 1975. Otherpansy cultivars that for developing the modern pansy species, Viola are All-America Selection Winners include X wittrockiana (National Garden Bureau, 1993). •Orange Prince' (1979), 'Jolly Joker' (1990), Williams selected a strain that lacked lines of 'MaximMarina' (1991), and'Padparadja' (1991). dark color on the flower but had huge blocks of During the late 1970's up to today, pansy color on the lower petals called the 'face.' This breeding has concentrated on aspects of quality pansy was discovered in 1839 and was named such as vigor, heat tolerance, and free flowering. 'Medora.' Today, the major pansy breeding programs are By 1850 many strains of pansies were located in Holland, Japan, and the United States. available to European gardeners. Early breeding In the U.S., New Jersey, Massachusetts, work done in England and Scotland resulted in Pennsylvania, and Ohio are the leading breeding plants with larger flowers and shorter stems. locations (Derthick et al., 1990). After that, French, German, and Swiss breeding programs were started. Aboutthe turn ofthe 20th Flower Color Types century,pansieswerebredthatlackeddark blocks Pansies have single blooms, each with five or lines on the flowers. Credit for discovering petals that are rounded in shape. There is a wide these clear pansies, lacking a face, is given to a color range for pansy flowers. Colors include Scottish grower, Dr. Charles Stewart (National red, purple, blue, bronze, pink, black, yellow, Garden Bureau, 1993). white, lavender, orange, apricot, and mahogany. Pansies gained popularity rapidly with North Pansies can be dividedinto pure-colorflowers American gardeners in the late 1800's and their and multicolored flowers. Pure-color varieties use here continues to increase. In 1933, the first have a single color on the flower and are called year ofthe All-America Selection (AAS) Trials, •clear.' Multicolored flowers that have a very the pansy 'Swiss Giants' won a silver medal. In dark blue/black centers are called 'blotched' or 1938, 'Coronation Gold' received an AAS silver 'faced.' Some blotched pansies may have a medal. Both of these open-pollinated types are different colorblotch than the usual dark blue or used today in many breeding programs. black face. Other multicolored pansies have In the past 50 years new pansy colors such as white or light colored edges or have petals of shades of pink, rose, and orange have become differing colors; most ofthese two or three color available. Much of the modern pansy breeding pansies also have a dark face. When selecting has been donein Germany, the United States, and pansycultivarsforaspecificsite,thecolor scheme Japan. In the late 1950's into the 1960's, F2 may be important, and care should be taken to pansies were developed. These new cultivars, select the correct color(s) or multicolor(s) for such as 'Ballerina,' 'St.Tropez,' and 'ColorFestival' your needs or markets. gave new flower mixes, larger flowers, increased flower production, better seed germination, and Varieties and Flower Sizes increased vigor as compared to F, cultivars of There are three main categories of pansies, that era. based on flower size: Several new F, varieties were developed in the mid-1960's that greatly enhanced the Large—3 lh to 4 lh inch-diameter blooms prominence andpopularity of F, pansies. These Medium—2 V2to 3 V2 inch-diameter blooms included many members of the 'Majestic Giant' Multiflora—1 72 to 272 inch-diameterblooms and 'Imperial' series, still used today. 'Majestic Giant Mix' and 'Majestic Giant White Face' were There are well over 300 pansy cultivars 1966 AAS Winners, and 'Imperial Blue' was an available today. Most cultivars come in series N.C. Flower Growers' Bulletin - June, 1995 Volume 40, Number 3

(Table 1). A series has similar plant qualities individualmembersofa serieseachhavedifferent such as plant size and heat tolerance. The flower colors and sometimes have colorpatterns that differ from each other. Table 1. Major pansy series and cultivars with flower type, flower Forthe pastfour years, we have size, and number in each series. conducted winter trials in Raleigh to evaluate the performance of Plant Flower Flower No. in series or pansies and violas as winter Series type type size cultivar color flowering annuals. Entries are evaluated for plant size, number of Accord both medium 9 F, flowers per plant, flower size, and Alpenglow O.P.* blotch large Red Atlas F, clear medium 2 attractiveness of flowers (color Azure Blue F, blotch medium Blue consistency among plants of a Berna O.P. clear large Purple cultivar, whether flowers are borne Bingo F, both large 7 upright and easily visible, and both medium 14 Characters F, novelty of flower color / pattern). Clear Sky F, clear medium 8 Color Festival F2 blotch large Mix During late spring, the plants are Coronation Gold O.P. clear large Golden Yellow evaluated for heat tolerance—does Crown F, clear medium 12 flower number decrease; does Crystal Bowl F, clear multiflora 11 flower sizedecrease; anddo flower blotch medium Blue & White Delft F, stalks become 'floppy,' causing Delta F, both medium 16 Faces F, both medium 16 flowers to lay down rather than be Fama F, both medium 12 visible? Cultivars that have Giant Forerunner ? both medium 16 outstandinglandscapeperformance Happy Face F, blotch medium 7 aredenotedas"LeadersofthePack" Imperial both medium 15 F, (Table2) and seemwelladaptedfor Joker F2 blotch multiflora 5 Lyric F, blotch medium 6 use as winter annuals in our area. Majestic Giant F, blotch large 8 Many producers will grow selected Maxim F, blotch multiflora 14 series rather than select individual Medallion F, blotch large 6 series members for production. A Melody both multiflora 16 F, four year compilation of series Padparadja F2 clear multiflora Orange Paper White O.P. clear large White performance in ourtrials is given in Premiere F, both medium 6 Table 3. Presto F, clear medium 8 Rally F, both medium 11 Propagation Regal blotch medium 13 F, Purchase Plugs or Purchase Rhinegold O.P. blotch large Yellow Roc F, both medium 11 Seed. Pansy producersmustdecide Skyline F, blotch medium 8 whether to purchase pansy plugs, Springtime F, both medium 18 or pansy seed. If you purchase Super Majestic Giant F, blotch large 9 seed, you must decide whether to Swiss Giants O.P. both large Mix grow pansy plugs orstart pansies in Ullswater O.P. blotch large Blue Ultima F, both medium 4 open seed trays. These decisions Universal Plus** F, both multiflora 21 should be based partially on when you plan to market your pansies, *O.P. = open pollinated variety. labor availability, the number of ♦♦Replaces the Universal series. pansies you intend to produce, and N.C. Flower Growers' Bulletin - June, 1995 Volume 40, Number 3

Table 2. Combined "Leaders ofthe Pack" listing for four years of pansy winter trials at NCSU.

Flower Color color(s) pattern Winners and the number of years awarded

White Clear 'Accord Clear White' (1), 'Melody White' (2), 'Rally Pure White' (1), 'Universal White' (1) White Blotch 'Accord White Blotch' (1), 'Fama Dark-Eyed White*(2), 'Maxim White' (1), 'Melody White w/Blotch' (2), 'Universal Plus White Blotch' (2), 'Vernale White w/Blotch' (1), 'Yellow Splash Crown' (1) Yellow Clear 'Accord Clear Yellow' (1), 'Clear Sky Primrose' (2), 'Clear Sky Yellow' (1), 'Cream Crown' (1), 'Delta Pure Yellow' (1), 'Fama Golden Yellow' (1), 'Melody Yellow' (1), •Presto Yellow' (1), 'Rally Yellow' (1), 'Universal Plus Yellow' (2) Yellow Blotch 'Accord Yellow w/Blotch' (1), 'Characters Yellow W/Face' (1), 'Imperial Gold Princess* (1), 'Maxim Yellow' (1), 'Melody Yellow w/Blotch' (1), 'Rally Yellow "/Blotch' (1), 'Skyline Yellow* (1), 'Springtime Yellow Marble' (1), 'Universal Yellow Blotch' (2), 'Universal Plus Yellow Blotch' (1) Orange Clear 'Clear Sky Orange' (1), 'Crystal Bowl Orange' (10), 'Fama Orange* (1), 'Imperial Orange1 (1), 'Presto Apricot' (1), 'Universal Plus Orange' (1) Orange Blotch 'Imperial Orange Prince' (2), 'Rally Orange w/Blotch' (1), 'Universal Plus Orange Blotch*(1) Pink Clear 'Imperial Pink Shades' (1) Pink Blotch 'Imperial Antique Shades' (1), 'Maxim Sherbet' (1), 'Melody Pink Shades' (1) Rose Clear 'Bingo Light Rose' (1), 'Faces Rose' (1), 'Imperial Frosty Rose' (1), 'Rose Crown' (1), 'Crystal Bowl Rose* (1) Rose Blotch 'Bingo Light Rose w/Blotch' (1), 'Maxim Rose' (2), 'Roc Rose' (1), 'Universal Plus Rose Blotch' (2) Red Clear 'Melody Scarlet' (1), 'Presto Bronze Red' (1), 'Scarlet Crown' (1), 'Univensal Plus Red' (2) Red Blotch 'Alpenglow' (1), 'Maxim Bronze* (1), 'Melody Red w/Blotch' (1), 'Skyline Red' (2) Red/White Blotch *Skyline Red Wing' (1), 'Imperial Wine Fashion1 (1) Red/Yellow Blotch 'Maxim Red & Yellow' (2), 'Roc Red & Yellow' (2), 'Skyline Yellow Red Wing' (1), 'Universal Plus Yellow/Red Blotch' (1) Blue Clear 'Accord Clear Blue' (2), 'Clear Sky Light Blue' (1), 'Clear Sky True Blue' (1), Crystal Bowl Deep Blue' (2), 'Crystal Bowl Sky Blue' (2), 'Crystal Bowl True Blue' (1), 'Fama True Blue' (2), 'Rally True Blue' (2), 'Melody Light Blue' (2), 'Presto Blue' (1), 'Springtime Azure Blue' (1), 'Universal Plus Light Blue' (1), 'Universal Plus True Blue* (1), 'Universal True Blue' (2) Blue Blotch •CrystalBowl Blue Center' (2), 'Delta Blue w/Blotch' (1), 'Fama Dark-Eyed Blue' (3), 'Imperial Silver Blue' (1), 'Maxim Deep Blue' (1), 'Maxim Marina' (1), 'Rally Light Blue w/Blotch' (2), 'Skyline Blue' (2), 'Universal Blue Blotch' (1), 'Universal Blue w/Blotch' (2) Blue/Yellow Blotch 'Maxim Blue & Yellow' (2) Purple Clear 'Crystal Bowl Purple' (2), 'RallyLilac Cap' (1), 'SpringtimeViolet' (1) Purple Blotch 'Fama See-Me' (2), 'Universal Purple' (1), 'Universal Violet' (1) PurpleAVhite Blotch 'Melody Beaconsfield' (2),'Melody Purple & White' (2),'Skyline White"/Purple Wing' (1), 'Ultima Beacon Bicolor' (1), 'UniversalPlus Beaconsfield' (2), 'Universal Beaconsfield' (1)

Mixes •Accord Mix' (1), 'DeltaPure ColoursFormulaMix' (1), 'Faces Mix' (1), 'Lyric Mix' (1), 'Maxim Mix' (2), 'Melody Mix' (2), 'Rally Mix' (1) N.C. Flower Growers' Bulletin - June, 1995 Volume 40, Number 3

Table 3. Combined series ranking and number trialed in Pansy propagation for the fall market each series for four years ofpansy winter trials at NCSU. needs to occur during July and August, months not conducive to optimum pansy Ranking among series and no. trialed seed germination and subsequent seedling Series 1992 1993 1994 1995 developmentin NorthCarolina. Ifyoudecide to produce yourown plugs or seedlings, you Accord 5 4 11 9 4 9 should consider a germination chamber and

Bingo ------8 J 8 9 an efficient cooling system for fall pansy Characters — — 9 3 ~ ~ - -- production. There are many plans available

Clear Sky -- - 6 7 ~ ~ 6 4 for germination chambers if you decide to Crown 3 7 12 7 -- — - --

Crystal Bowl 2 10 5 11 - - - ~ build one yourself (Bartok, 1992; Carlson, Delta 7 12 1990; King, 1992; Polking et al., 1990). Faces 6 3 Many growers at small and medium-sized Fama « — 15 8 7 10 3 10 greenhouse operations find it more feasible

- -- -- Happy Face — - 14 7 ~ to purchase plugs for the early fall market Imperial 10 12 10 14 6 3 - -

Majestic Giant 8 6 13 7 ~ - - -- than to investin a germinationchamberor to

Maxim 9 9 2 10 4 5 — ~ tackle pansy germination in the summer

Melody 1 11 1 12 ------heat. For late-autumn through early spring Presto ~ — 3 9 — - — — markets, pansy propagation is much easier

Rally — - - - 5 10 2 10

.. „ due to cooler temperatures. Roc 7 8 7 7 - -

Sky Line ~ — 4 6 — — 1 7 PansyGerminationRequirements. Seed

Springtime ------1 4 -- - Selection is the first decision in pansy

Ultima ~ — ~ -- 3 3 — -- propagation. There are two basic types of Universal Plus* 4 13 8 14 2 6 5 21 pansy seed available, traditional seed that is ♦First two years are data for the older Universal series, not treated to enhance germination, and which Universal Plus replaced. primed seed that has been physiologically treated to start the germination process. The equipment and facilities available to you. Many advantages of primed seed include higher articles and guidelines regarding the produce percentage germination, faster germination, and versus purchase decision are available in popular less sensitivity to high temperatures during trade magazines (Aylsworth, 1990; Aylsworth, germination (CarpenterandBoucher, 1991). The 1991; Aylsworth, 1994;Carlson, 1989;Catapano, disadvantage of primed seed is the higher cost 1992; Kelly, 1993;Quincy, 1988;Sawaya, 1990; compared to non-primed seed. Given the high Thomas, 1993). Growers interested in pursuing temperatures in the Southeast during pansy the plugproductionversusplug purchasedecision propagationfor autumn sales,primedseed should should read these overviews. There are even be considered, especially for growers lacking a articles that address the economics of seedling temperature-controlled germination chamber. flats versus plug production to assist growers Substrate physical properties for pansy with that choice (Duarte and Perry, 1987). For germination include adequate aeration and good small operations and/orgrowersjuststarting into moisture retention. To mix or purchase the pansy production, purchasing plugs and substrate used for germination is a management concentrating on production offinished flats is a and economic decision (Fonteno, 1994a). wise step. After gaining expertise in finishing Germination substrates should be composed of seedlings, new growersshouldrevisitthe question finer (smaller particle size) components than ofpurchasing seed rather than purchasing plugs. substrate used for finishing bedding plants. A N.C. Flower Growers' Bulletin - June, 1995 Volume 40, Number 3

finer mix affords more moisture retention, but substrate solution pH rises above 5.8, drench increases the possibility of overwatering and seedlings at 10 day intervals with 1to 3 lb per 100 poor aeration (see the section on moisture that gallons of either iron sulfate [FeS04-7H20] or follows) (Fonteno, 1994b). aluminum sulfate [A12(S04)3-18H20] to help Substrate chemical properties are as lower the pH. Lightly mist seedlings after important as physical properties. A substrate pH application to prevent foliage injury from the of5.4 to 5.8 is best for pansy production. Avoid drenches. Ifyourirrigation waterhas a pH above substratescontaininga largenutrientstartercharge 5.8, acidify it (at each watering and feeding) with as pansy seedlings are sensitive to high 35% sulfuric acid to a pH of5.4 to help lower the concentrations of soluble salts. A substrate substrate solution pH. Continue these corrective containingdolomitic lime for pH control (as well treatments until the substrate pH drops and stays as to supply Ca and Mg), micronutrients, and a in the 5.4 to 5.8 range. small amount of superphosphate is ideal. Temperatureis an importantfactorfor pansy Phosphorus levels in the germination substrate germination and seedling growth. Optimum should be very low, as high concentrations of germination (fastest and greatest percentage) phosphorus cause seedling stretch (Koranski, occurs at a constant 68 °F for both primed and 1989). non-primed pansy seed (Carpenter and Boucher, Fertilization using a liquid feed program 1991). After radicle emergence (about 4 days shouldbeginafterstemand cotyledon emergence. after seeding) and during stem and cotyledon Use a fertilizer relatively low in phosphorus and emergence, maintenance of cool temperatures low in ammoniacal nitrogen to preventexcessive (between 60 and 70 °F) is best for pansy seedling stretch. Formulations withnitrogen derivedfrom growth. Pansies do respond to DIF (Barrett and potassium nitrate [KN03], calcium nitrate Erwin, 1994), so try to maintain a constant day / [Ca(N03)2], and perhaps magnesium nitrate night temperature such as 68 °F rather than a [Mg(N03)2] such as thebasic-residue fertilizers positive (day warmer than night) DIF to reduce listed in Table 6 are recommended. All ofthese stretch. After the first true leafappears (about 14 formulations have the addedbenefitofsupplying days after seeding) up to transplant into the calcium; and most magnesium. Using these finishing flat (approximately 6 weeks after formulations allows pansy propagators to seeding), temperatures should be reduced (if minimize the limingcharge inthesubstrate (initial possible) to a constant 58 to 62 °F. pH need only be above 5.2) and to use the Lightis not required for germination (during fertilization program to maintain the appropriate the first two to four days), but is needed after pH. radicle (root) emergence to prevent excessive Apply 50 ppm nitrogen feed every three to stretching. Between l,500and3,500footcandles five days until the development of the first true oflightarerecommendedafterradicleemergence leaves. At that point, increase the concentration (Dressen and Langhans, 1989). Many growers to 100ppm nitrogen,still applyingevery threeto will remove seedlings from the germination fivedays. Spot-waterwithclearwaterinbetween chamberuponradicleemergenceandplacethem feedings as needed (Williams, 1990). in the greenhouse, if they do not have adequate Monitor the substrate pH during seedling lighting in the germination chamber. production to assure it stays in the 5.4 to 5.8 Moisture must be controlled during range. A substrate pH above 5.8 can result in germination. Keep the relative humidity around boron and iron deficiency;and highpH maylead the seedand seedlingvery high, but do not soak to an increasedincidenceofblackrootrot, caused thesubstrate. Placinga thin layer of vermiculite by Thielaviopsis basicola (Jones, 1993). If the over the seed will increase humidity around the N.C. Flower Growers' Bulletin - June, 1995 Volume 40, Number 3 seed during germination. Though relative (Table4). Manyplug growersreportthatmultiple humidity should be high during germination, applications at low concentrations give a greater excessive moisture in the substrate will reduce degree of control and flexibility than single oxygen, reduce germination, and reduce root applications at a high concentration. growth. Frequent, light mist or fog applications Table 5 lists non-labeled uses of chemical are betterthan less frequentbutheavierwaterings, growth regulators that are reportedly effectiveon which tend to keep the substrate saturated. Reduce pansies. Table 5 is for informational purposes misting frequency and relative humidity as only, and its contents should not be considered seedlings develop to 'harden' growth. recommendations. Seedling growth regulation is possible Scheduling. Scheduling during seedling through DIF, as mentioned early. If a zero DIF production depends on the environment and the (equaldayandnighttemperature) doesnotcontrol production system used. Pansy plug production stretching adequately, apply a 5 to 10°F negative is a 5 to 7 week cropping period while seedlings DIF (night temperature of 64 to 68 °F and day produced in open flats are usually ready for temperature of 58 to 62 °F) for height control. transplanting 4 to 5 weeks after sowing. When the above level oftemperature control isimpossible, asisoften thecase intheSoutheast, Finishing Pansies consider using chemical growth retardants that Scheduling. Timing for finished flats and are labeled for pansies to control seedling stretch potsof pansies should be based on a target market dateand anticipatedenvironmental Table 4. Chemical growth retardants labeled for use on pansies in the conditions. Finished flats can be greenhouse. ready for sale in 5 to 9 weeks from Stage of Application rate transplant (total cropping time of Product production and method Comments 11 to 14 weeks). Count back from

B-Nine plugs or 2,500 ppm spray apply beginning after the your projected market date to seedlings (0.39 oz per first true leaf is present; determine when you should have gallon) weekly applications may material ready for transplanting. be needed For autumn markets, many Bonzi plugs or 1 to 5 ppm spray use 3 ppm when two true growers will have plants available seedlings (0.032 to 0.16 floz leaves are present or use from mid-Septemberthroughearly per gallon) multiple sprays at 1 ppm December. In the piedmont and Bonzi plants in 5 to 15 ppm spray use the higher rate in coastal regions ofNorth Carolina, flats (0.16 to 0.48 floz warmer weather; make pansies are difficult to establish in per gallon) the first application when plants are 2" in the landscapepriorto mid-October. diameter or height; avoid However, giventhatcustomers are late applications due to willing to purchase plants in flowering delay and slow September, growers usually target growth in the landscape plant sales rather than survival. after transplant The Finishing Environment. 1 to 3 ppm spray use 3 ppm when three true Sumagic plugs or Substrate characteristics that are seedlings (0.26 to 0.77 fl oz leaves are present or make per gallon) a 1 ppm spray when two recommended for the finishing true leaves are present containers are similar to those described for propagation. The Sumagic plants in 3 to 6 ppm spray see comments for Bonzi flats (0.77 to 1.54 floz major difference between the two per gallon) is the degree of porosity; 'looser' N.C. Flower Growers' Bulletin - June, 1995 Volume 40, Number 3

Table 5. Chemical growth retardants treatments reportedly effective growth and development is best for height control ofpansies. This table is for informational purposes achieved with a daily average onlyandis nota recommendation, as the following usesare notlabeled temperature of 58 to 62 °F. As on the products at time of publication. mentioned earlier, pansies do Stage of Application rate respond to DIF, and a zero or Product production and method Comments negative DIFis preferredfor height A-Rest plugs or 5 to 10 ppm spray begin applications after controlovera positiveDIF. Pansies seedlings (2.5 to 4.9 fl oz plants have one to two can be grown at even cooler per gallon) true leaves temperatures (nighttemperature of A-Rest plants in 8 to 12 ppm spray apply when transplants 48 °F) withoutdamagingthe plants, flats (3.9 to 5.9 fl oz have become established but development will be slower. per gallon) and begin to develop Light levels should be as high new leaves as possible,buttemperaturecontrol B-Nine plugs or 1,000+ 1,000 ppm apply beginning after the usually requires shading of about plus seedlings spray (0.16 oz first true leaf is present; 30 to 50% during late summer and Cycocel B-Nine + 1.1 floz weekly applications may autumn to reduce the heat load on Cycocel per gallon) be needed the plants. Remove shading and Cycocel plants in 1,500 ppm spray apply when transplants increase irradiance as soon as flats (1.6 fl oz per gallon) have become established and begin to develop ambient temperatures allow to new leaves promote better plant growth and flower development. mixes with a higher degree ofaeration and more Water plants prior to wilting, but allow the rapid drainage than germination mixes are substrateto dry out betweenwaterings. Excessive recommended for finishing pansies. moisture will resultin poorroot growthand could The substrate starter charge should contain increase the incidence ofroot rots. Allowing the liming sufficient to result in a pH of 5.4 to 5.8. substrate to dry to the pointofplantwilting could Micronutrients and a small starter charge of concentrate salts around the roots, resulting in phosphorus are also recommended. root damage. When watering, try to minimize Fertilization during the finishing stage of leaching (maximum of 15%leaching fraction) to pansy production is similar to that of the reduce nutrient runoff from your crop. germination phase: do not overfeed pansies. A Plant growth regulation is best achieved constant feed program of 75 ppm nitrogen is through a zero or negative DIF. A day / night sufficient for pansies, if leaching is minimal. If temperature regime of 55 °F / 65 °F is very leaching isexcessive (such asoutdoor production effective in reducing excessive stretch, but is a subjecttoheavyrains),increasetheconstantfeed rarityduringautumnintheSoutheast. Ifchemical to 100 to 125 ppm nitrogen. A weekly feed growth retardants are needed, follow guidelines program of 175to 200 ppm nitrogencan alsobe in Table 4. Do not apply growth retardants to used insteadofacontinuousfeed program. Rotate transplants until they exhibit active growth. Avord between a basic-residue fertilizer such as 13-2- lateapplicationsofgrowthretardants(especially 13-6Ca-3Mg and an acid residue fertilizer of Bonzi and Sumagic), as they can result in containingphosphorus suchas20-10-20 toassure delayed flowering and slow growth once plants adequatesupplies of macronutrients and to help are transplanted into the landscape. Multiple maintain a constant substrate pH (Table 6). applications atlowconcentrations willgivemore Temperatures for finishing pansies are controltogrowersthanlessfrequentapplications similarto those used in seedling production. Best at higher concentrations. N.C. Flower Growers' Bulletin - June, 1995 Volume 40, Number 3

Table 6. Quantities (ounces) of fertilizer or fertilizer salts to dissolve 1993). The other pests listed have in 100gallons ofwaterto makesolutions containing50to 250ppmeach the potential to become production ofnitrogen (N) and potassium (K20). Selectconcentrations basedon problems, but are usually not as production phase and recommendations given in the text* serious of pests. Fertilizer Concentration of N and KJO (ppm) Green peach aphid: These or salts 50 75 100 250 aphids are pests of pansy during

Acid-residue sources oz/100 gallons production as well as in the

20-10-20** 3.34 5.0 6.7 16.7 landscape. The small adult is light to darkgreenor pink, withredeyes. 20-9-20** 3.34 5.0 6.7 16.7 Three dark lines run down its back. ammonium nitrate 1.23 1.85 2.5 6.15 Wings may or may not be present. + potassium nitrate 1.50 2.25 3.0 7.5 The green peach aphid is resistant + monoammonium phosphate 0.54 0.81 1.1 2.7 (20-10-20)** to many insecticides, including the new pyrethroids. Acephate Basic-residue sources oz/100 gallons (Orthene 75 SP and FT 1300) may 13-2-13 (-6Ca-3Mg)** 5.13 7.7 10.3 25.65 give somecontrol. Soaps (M-Pede)

14-0-14 (-6Ca-3Mg) 4.76 7.14 9.5 23.8 or oils (Ultra-Fine Sun Spray) should give some suppression of 15-0-15 (-HCa) 4.45 6.68 8.9 22.25 resistant green peach aphids. 17-0-17 (-4Ca-2Mg) 3.92 5.88 7.83 19.6 Imidacloprid (Marathon) has potassium nitrate 1.51 2.28 3.03 7.58 offered good control in mostcases. + calcium nitrate 1.76 2.64 3.52 8.8 Foxgloveaphid: Thefoxglove + magnesium nitrate 1.8 2.7 3.6 9.0 aphid infests pansy,calceolaria, the (13-0-13-6.6Ca-3.3Mg) foliage of gladiolus, and hyacinth ♦Adapted from Nelson, 1994a and Nelson, 1994b. where it causes reduced vigor, **Theseformulations also containphosphorus (P205). curling, distortion of leaves, hardening of buds, and distorted flowers. The Production Problems Insect and Related Pests. Table 7. Insect and related pest problems of pansies during production, There are a wide variety of theirbotanical name,andNCSU DepartmentofEntomologyOrnamentals and Turf Insect Notes that address each pest. pansy pests, someofthemwith the potential to be serious Pest Botanical name Insect note(s) problems (Table 7). Growers Black cutworm Argotis ipsilon #7 should contact their County Foxglove aphid Aulacorthm solani #38, #103, #104 Extension Centers to request the suggest Insect Notes Fungus gnats Lycoriella spp. & Bradysia spp. #29, #103 dealing with each pest. These Green peach aphid Myzuspersicae #38, #103, #104 Greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum # 10, # 103, # 104 insect notes and the current editionofthe N.C. Agricultural Pansyworm Euptoieta claudia #7 Chemicals Manual will offer Shore flies Scatella spp. #103 the most up-to-date control Silverleaf whitefly Bemisia argentifolii #83, #103, # 104 measures for each pest. Slugs Deroceras spp. & Lehmannia spp. #22, #91 The major pests listed in Variegated cutworm Peridroma saucia #7 Table 7 that growers should be Western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis #72, # 103, # 104 scouting for are in bold(Baker, Yellow woollybear Spiosoma virginica #7 N.C. Flower Growers' Bulletin - June, 1995 Volume 40, Number 3

foxglove aphid is a medium sized, greenish grayish brown tinged forewings whichare reddish yellow, shiny aphid with cylindrical tapering and shaded about the middle and darker brown cornicles. There is usually a dark green patch of around the outer margin. The hind wings are pigmented material showing through the cuticle iridescentpearly white with margins shadedwith at the baseofeachcornicle. It can producesexual shining light brown. The wingspan is 13A inches. forms and lay eggs on many different host plants. The eggs are laid in dense clusters of about 60. See the section on green peach aphids for Tiny variegated cutworm caterpillars are green recommended control measures or consult the with indistinct lines and few hairs, The head is N.C. Agricultural Chemicals Manual for a black. Mature larvae are 13A inches long. Color comprehensive list of labeled materials. varies from light to dark dull brown with a Pansyworms: These are spiny caterpillars greenish tinge. All stages can be found throughout that grow to 1 'A inches long. They are orange- the growing season. Birds are fond ofvariegated red with a black stripe down each side (the black cutworms and this pest has numerous parasites. stripe has white spots along it). The spines are Yellow woollybear: Theyellow woollybear arranged in six rows along the top and sides. feeds on a wide range ofornamental, garden, and Pansyworms are the immature stages of the field crops as well as weeds. The yellow variegatedfritillary, one ofa groupoffour-footed woollybear is densely covered with pale yellow, butterflies called fritillaries. Pansyworms feed brownish yellow, red, or white hairs. A fully on pansy, violet, alyssum, Johnny-jump-up and grown caterpillar may be almost 2 inches long. other plants in that family as well as moonseed, The moth has a wingspan of nearly IV2 inches, passion flower, sedum and portulaca. Acephate, and is nearly pure white except for the abdomen fluvalinate (Mavrik), and Bacillus thuringiensis and a few blackspots on eachwing. Theeggs are products like Dipel and Victory shouldgive good laidin clustersof50to 60 and are usually covered control ofpansyworms as well as the other three with scales from the body of the moth. After caterpillars listed below. feeding for about four weeks, woollybears are Cutworms: Two kinds of cutworms are fully grown and begin to seek sheltered places in likely to feed on pansies in North Carolina: black which to pupate. Several generations occureach cutworms and variegated cutworms. The black year. Several natural enemies limit yellow cutworm is a dark greasy-gray to black, fat woollybear populations. Eggs are parasitized by caterpillar with a paler line down the back. The Trichogramma wasps and the caterpillars are older caterpillars are capable of surviving some susceptible to diseases caused by Bacillus cold weather and feeding resumes with warmer thuringiensis and a granulosis virus. This insect temperatures (>46 °F); adults, young larvae and usually does not become a problem on crops pupae are susceptible to freezing. As the which are being sprayed for other pests. caterpillars mature, they become increasingly Slugs: Although more closely related to repelled by light. Largerblack cutworms burrow octopi thaninsects,slugs and snails are much like into the soil during the day and emerge to feed at some insects in their biology. Their damage to dusk or in cloudy weather. The adult is a dark pansies resembles the damage done by some brown moth with mottled wings and a wingspan caterpillars, too. Slugs require a high moisture of 1 xh inches. substrate and tend to burrow into soft, open or The variegated cutworm feeds on almost coarse soil during the day or to rest under boards, any succulent broadleaf plant; leaves, buds, logs, flats and other debris. Young slugs hatch flowers, fruit, stalks, tubers or roots of flowers fromeggs abouttwo weeks after being laid when and vegetables; field crops; and flowering crops temperatures are at 68 °F. Some slugs are (it does not feed on grasses). The moth has pale apparently notrepelled by light, but arerepelled

10 N.C. Flower Growers' Bulletin - June, 1995 Volume 40, Number 3 by rising temperatures. Slugs emerge to forage Chemical control of slugs usually depends with a decrease in light intensity together with a upon baits of methiocarb or metaldehyde. Even fall in temperature below 70 °F. at best, probably no more than 10% of the As temperatures rise, slugs crawl down to population will be controlled with a single their hiding places on the soil surface to rest and application of baits. Baits are more effective if absorb water through the skin. As temperatures placed close to some sortofprotection especially start to fall, slugs actively begin foraging. Thus under stones and other refuges. slugs may be active during the day after a cooling Diseases. Pansies are susceptibleto a number shower as long as the temperatures decline or of serious diseases inboth productiongreenhouses remain steady. Slugsare very sensitiveto ambient and in landscape beds (Jones, 1993). Listed temperature and can detect temperature changes below are some of the more common pansy as gradual as 1 °F per half hour! Slugs prefer to diseases in NorthCarolinaalong with prevention remain at 62 to 65 °F although they lay eggs and andcontrol measures. Consultthecurrentedition develop normally (but slower) at lower of the N.C. Agricultural Chemicals Manual for temperatures. Developmentceases below 40 °F. the most up-to-date listing offungicides labeled Most slugs can withstand slight freezing for use on pansies. temperatures although their tendency to take Damping-off of seedlings: During shelter in cold weather usually protects them production of pansies, damping-off by Pythium from freezing. spp. can be a major disease problem. The best Birds (up to 6% of the diet of starlings), control of any disease is to completely avoid its moles, toads, shrews,carnivorousgroundbeetles, occurrence. Every bedding plant grower should rove beetles, and firefly beetles feed on slugs. thoroughly understand damping-off, factors that Sciomyzid flies, trombidiid mites, sporozoa, favor its development, and potential sources of cestodes, ciliates, and nematodes also parasitize contamination. Damping-off must be avoided slugs. In addition, slugs are preyed upon by through a complete, continuous sanitation and omnivorous slugs such as the spotted garden cultural program. Fungicides should be used to slug. Dry weather may kill up to 90% of slug control damping-off only as a last resort. Most eggs and young per year. fungicides used to controldamping-offalso cause For long term management, control weeds some injury to seedlings. The younger the that shelter and feed slugs. A cleared space seedling, the more severe the injury. Fungicide aroundthe greenhouse0 to 15feet wide is helpful rates higherthan recommended mustbe avoided. in avoiding slug damage. One method of If damping-off is a continual problem, much controlling slugs is removal of hiding places. effort should be made to determine the source of Picking up flats, boards, pots and debris will the pathogenand correctthe sanitationor cultural force the slugs to look elsewhere for a suitable problems rather than continue to use or increase resting spot. Traps of planks, or pots using raw the use of fungicides. Fungicides effective in potato slices for bait can be placed in the controlling damping-off due to Pythium spp. greenhouse and the slugs collected and destroyed include etridiazole (Truban) and metalaxyl the following day. A ridge offinely ground lime (Subdue). is an effective barrier as long as it is dry. Copper Crown and root rot diseases: Although it sulfate is toxic to slugs, and slugs will not crawl usually is not a major problem during pansy across a barrier of copper metal or wooden production, in the landscape, crown rot causedby surfaces treated with coppersulfate. Copperand the common soilborne fungus, Phytophthora zinc barriers must be smooth and at least 2 inches parasitica, is the most important disease on (Cu) or 10 inches (Zn) tall to be effective. pansies in North Carolina. It is most active in

11 N.C. Flower Growers' Bulletin - June, 1995 Volume 40, Number 3

warm, wet weather and, thus occurs on pansy in help. the fall and late spring. The fungus infects the Botrytisblight: Botrytis blightis a common plant at or just above the soil line. The crown but only slightly damaging disease of pansies lesion becomes a greenish-brown, soft, watery causedbyBotrytis cinerea. Botrytis cinerea is an rot. The entire plant dies. airborne fungus that attacks almost any flower Phytophthora parasitica attacks many and dead, dying ordamaged plant tissue. During bedding plants including: petunia, snapdragon, production, the greatest losses due to Botrytis vinca, hibiscus, and coleus. occurlate in production. Occasionally, this fungus Control measures for crown rot in pansy also can attack germinating seed or seedlings, production include: particularly if they are injured or excessively O Use good sanitation, plant in clean crowded. High rates of fertilization, death of substrate, pots, flats, benches, etc. lower leaves, low light intensity, frequent © Do not overwater. watering, early flower production, and crowded © Applications of labeled fungicides such plants all favor Botrytis blight development. as metalaxyl (Subdue) may help. Control of Botrytis blight during pansy Black root rot: Blackroot rot, caused by the production includes: soilborne fungus, Thielaviopsis basicola, can O Controlling relative humidity by venting also be very serious on pansy. This fungus and heating to avoid condensation on attacks the fine feeder roots. Infected roots are plant surfaces during the night. black due to the presence of the fungus. © Timing seeding andtransplanting toavoid Thielaviopsis basicola also causes a root rot on holding plants any longer than necessary Helleri holly and vinca. before selling. This fungus is common in soils across North © Practicing good sanitation to reduce Carolina and it is active over a very wide inoculum production on dead and dying temperature range. The fungus infects the feeder plant parts. roots and gradually kills the entire root system. O Avoiding watering during slow drying Black root rot has been a serious problem in conditions. pansy production in the Southeast for the past @ Avoiding injury tofoliage andflowers to five to seven years. It appears to be related to reduce incidence ofBotrytis infection. production in August and September when it is © Using fungicides if conditions are too hot for pansy plants and they are "stressed." favorable for the developmentofBotrytis Control measures for black root rot during blight, particularly late in the production production include: program. However, ifthe first five steps O Avoid excessive heat stress, especially are followed, fungicides may not be on young seedlings. needed. When applying a fungicide to © Avoid other stresses, such as high control Botrytis, complete coverage of substratepH that canlead to micronutrient all plant surfaces is a necessity. Do not deficiencies (particularly boronand iron), allow the disease to establish in the crop excessivesoilmoisture,orexcessivesalts. before starting fungicide applications. © Preventative drenches with labeled Fungicides can be applied as a spray, fungicides such as l-[l-[[4-chloro-2- such as iprodione (Chipco 26019), (trifluoromethyl)phyenyl]imino]-2- chlorothalonil (Daconil 2787), or ropoxyethyl]-1H-Imidazole (Terraguard vinclozolin (Ornalin); or plants can be 50 WP) and thiophanate methyl products fumigated with a thermal dust, such as such as Domain or Cleary's 3336 may chlorothalonil (Exotherm Termil). If

12 N.C. Flower Growers' Bulletin - June, 1995 Volume 40, Number 3

narrow-spectrum fungicides are used identified. ContactyourCountyExtensionCenter repeatedly to control Botrytis blight, for sample submission procedures. rotationoffungicides shouldbe employed Nutritional Disorders. Pansies are relatively to prevent the development of fungicide free from nutritional disorders, when grown at resistance in Botrytis cinerea. This is the the proper pH. However, when the substrate pH most frequently reported fungal species is allowed to climb above 5.8, micronutrient with fungicide resistance. Powell (1994) deficiencies can be a problem. Magnesium(Mg) reports widespread Botrytis resistance to deficiency can be encountered, ifthe pH falls too thiophanate-methyl products and some low, or ifcalciumlevels are too highwith respect resistance to iprodione and vinclozolin. to Mg levels. Leafspot diseases: Pansies are susceptible Boron deficiency: The symptoms of this to several leafspotdiseases, but the most common deficiency are very specific. The younger, ones in North Carolina are anthracnose (caused developing leaves are small, thickened and by the fungi Colletrotichum gloesosporiodesand puckered. In many instances, the main shoot will C. violae-tricoloris) andscabor sportanthracnose stop growth completely(abort), and lateral shoots (caused by Sphaceloma violae). The leafspots will attempt to expand, developing the thick, vary in color from white to brown to black and puckered leaves mentioned above. often have a water-soaked margin. The spots The first stage of treatment should involve may or may not have concentric rings and spore reducing substrate pH (ifabove the recommended producing structures. While leafspot diseases range) to 5.4 to 5.8 to make boron more available are fairly common on pansy, they seldom cause to the plant. See the earlier section on nutrition muchdamage. Thesediseases are bestcontrolled for methods to lower substrate pH. through proper sanitation, such as removal of The second step in treating boron deficiency plant debris. If chemical control does become would be to apply a substrate drench ofborax at necessary, consult the latest edition of the N.C. lh oz per 100gallons or use solubor at XU oz per Agricultural Chemicals Manual for fungicides 100 gallons. Lightly mist off foliage after the that control the abovespecies and are also labeled application, as boron solutions can burn leaves. for use on pansies. Prior to the boron drench, check the levels of Additional diseases of pansy: Three rust calciumand magnesiumin the substrate. Calcium diseases (caused by Puccinia ellisiana, P. violae, tendsto tie up boron, especiallywhenthecalcium and Uromyces androponis) plus a seed smut to magnesiumratiois toohigh(greaterthanabout (Urocystiskmetiana) havebeenreportedon pansy, 5 : 2, Ca to Mg) (Laffe and Styer, 1989). IfCa but rarely are a major problem (Jones, 1993). is out of proportion to Mg, include 1 lb per 100 Otherdiseases reported on pansy include root rot gallons of Epsom salts (MgS04-7H20) in your caused by Aphanomyces cladogamus', leafspot boron drench. diseases causedbyAlternariaviolae, Cercospora Do not apply more than two boron drenches violae, Phyllosticta rafinesquii, Ramularia during production, as excessive boron will also agrestis, and Ramularia lactea; downy mildew cause problems on pansies. Unfortunately, plant caused by Peronospora violae', damping-off recovery from borondeficiency is a slowprocess, caused by Rhizoctonia solani; Southern blight and it may take two to three weeks before normal caused by Sclerotium rolfsii; powdery mildew growth is resumed. caused by Sphacerotheca humuli; and root knot Iron deficiency: Symptoms of iron nematodes, Meloidogyne spp. deficiency are interveinal chlorosis (yellowing) Prior to treating for these or any disease, it is of primarily the youngest leaves, followed by essential to have the disease organism properly marginal burning in severe cases. As with boron

13 N.C. Flower Growers' Bulletin - June, 1995 Volume 40, Number 3

deficiency, the first step in treating iron deficiency Aylsworth, J.D. 1991. Do you grow, or buy in? is assuring the substrate pH is within the Greenhouse Grower. 9(11):14-14, 16. recommendedrange. Ifthe pH is too high, follow Aylsworth, J.D. 1994. Finishers offer tips on the recommendations given earlier to lower it to growing your own plugs. Greenhouse 5.4 to 5.8 using iron sulfate. Not only will this Grower. 12(11):24, 26-27. treatment lower the pH, it will also increase the Baker, J.R. 1993. Insect managementon garden iron supply in the substrate solution. If further mums, pansies, and other fall greenhouse treatment is needed, use a foliar spray of 10% crops. In: Proc. N.C. Landscape Bedding iron chelate (Sequestrene 330 Fe) at 4 oz per 100 Plant Field Day. D. Bailey (ed.). NCSU. gallons. Raleigh, N.C. Magnesium deficiency: Symptoms of Barrett,J.E.andJ.E.Erwin. 1994. Beddingplant magnesium deficiency on pansy are interveinal height control. In: Bedding plants IV. 4th chlorosis ofthe newly matured (notthe youngest, Ed. E. Jay Holcomb (ed). Ball Publishing. still expanding) leaves followed by general Batavia, 111. yellowing ofthe leavesbeginning at the margins. Bartok, J. 1992. Build your own germination Marginal necrosis can follow in severe cases. unit. Greenhouse Grower 10(11):21, 23. Ifmagnesium deficiency is suspected, check Carlson, W.H. 1989. Can you afford to grow the Ca to Mg ratio, as mentioned above. If it is plugs? Greenhouse Grower. 7(11): 14-15. greater than 5:2, apply a substrate drench of2 lb Carlson, W.H. 1990. Howto builda germination Epsom salts per 100 gallons of water. Do not room. Greenhouse Grower. 8(11):16-17. make applications more than once every four Carpenter, W.J. andJ.F. Boucher. 1991. Priming weeks. If multiple applications are needed, be improves high-temperature germination of sure to monitorboth foliar and substrate levels of pansy seed. HortScience 26(5):541-544. Ca to assure that the Mg applicationsdo not cause Catapano,N. 1992. Plugs: should I grow them? Ca to become deficient. GrowerTalks. 56(8):39,41,43,45,47,49, 51. Summary Derthick, S., W.H. Carlson, and L. Ewart. 1990. The demand for pansies appears to some Producing pansies for profit. Mich. State growers to be continuously increasing. However, Univ. Coop. Ext. Serv. Bull. E-2239. many growers feel that the market is leveling off. Dressen, D.R. and R.W. Langhans. 1989. Let Before any production, carefully consider which there be light (and heat). Greenhouse markets you intend to enter, how you will start Grower. 7(8):62-64. your crop (buy in or produce your own Duarte, M. and L.P. Perry. 1987. Figuring the propagules), and whether you are equipped to costs of seeds and seedlings four ways. supplythecorrectenvironment forahigh-quality GreenhouseManager. 5(12):153-154,156- finished product. A well-grown, high-quality 158. pansy cropwillbringa profittoyourbusiness, if Fonteno, W.C. 1994a. Growing media. In: youhavemadethecorrectcustomer contacts and BeddingplantsIV. 4thEd. E.Jay Holcomb assured a market for your product. (ed). Ball Publishing. Batavia, 111. Fonteno, W.C. 1994b. Growing media. In: Tips Literature Cited on growing beddingplants. 3rd Ed. H.K. Tayama,T.J. Roll, and M.L. Gaston (ed.s). Aylsworth, J.D. 1990. Buying plugs: easierthan Ohio Florists' Assoc. Columbus, OH. growing your own? Greenhouse Grower. Jones, R.K. 1993. Pansy diseases and their 8(11):58, 60-62. control. In: Proc. N.C. LandscapeBedding

14 N.C. Flower Growers' Bulletin - June, 1995 Volume 40, Number 3

Plant Field Day. D. Bailey (ed.). NCSU. Nelson, P.V. 1994b. Fertilization. In: Bedding Raleigh, N.C. plants IV. 4th Ed. E. Jay Holcomb (ed). Kelly, M.K. 1993. Shouldyou buy plugs or grow Ball Publishing. Batavia, 111. your own? GrowerTalks. 57(8):46,48,50, Polking, G., D. Koranski, R. Kessler, and M. 52. Khademi. 1990. Germination chambers King, P. 1992. Once upon a mattress: a tip for guarantee success in the plug tray. growing your own plugs. GrowerTalks. GrowerTalks. 54(8):62-63, 65, 67, 69. 56(8):55, 57, 59, 61. Powell, C.C. 1994. Disease management. In: Koranski,D. 1989. How to grow 32 plug crops. Tips on growing bedding plants. 3rd Ed. GrowerTalks 53(4): 197-200. H.K. Tayama, T.J. Roll, and M.L. Gaston Laffe, S.R. and R.C. Styer. 1989. Too B or not (ed.s). Ohio Florists' Assoc. Columbus, too B: learn to recognize boron deficiency. OH. GrowerTalks 53(8):66. Quincy, C. 1988. Take a look at costsbeforeyou Liberty Hyde Bailey Hortorium. 1976. Hortus decide to grow your own or buy in. Third: A concise dictionary of plants GrowerTalks. 52(8):78, 81. cultivated in the United States and Canada. Sawaya, M. 1990. Growing your own. 3rd ed. Macmillan, New York. Greenhouse Grower. 8(11): 12, 14. NationalGardenBureau. 1993. Pansyfact sheet. Thomas, S.H. 1993. Buy orgrow: which is right Natl. Garden Bur. Downers Grove, IL. for you? Greenhouse Manager. 12(9):50- Nelson, P.V. 1994a. Nutrition. In: Tips on 52. growing bedding plants. 3rd Ed. H.K. Williams, J. 1990. Plug culture tips for four Tayama, T.J. Roll, and M.L. Gaston (ed.s). major bedding crops. GrowerTalks. Ohio Florists' Assoc. Columbus, OH. 54(8):26, 28, 30, 32, 34.

Calendar of Events

Event Date Time Location and contacts

Ohio International Floral Saturday-Wednesday Cincinnati Convention Center, Short Course 8-12 July Cincinnati, Ohio. Contact OFA at 614-487-1117 for more details.

N.C. State Bedding Plant Wednesday 9:00-4:00 Horticulture Field Laboratory and the Field Day 26 July McKimmon Center, Raleigh, N.C. Call Doug Bailey at 919-515-1195 for further details.

PPGA International Bedding Saturday-Thursday San Jose Convention Center, San Plant Conference 30 Sept.-5 Oct. Jose, California. Contact PPGA at 800-647-7742 for further information.

Association of Specialty Wednesday-Sunday Omni Inner Harbor Hotel, Baltimore, Cut Flower Growers 1995 25-29 October Maryland. Contact ASCFG at National Conference 216-774-2887 for more details.

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