Instructions for growing Pelargonium Grandiflorum

Soil

'Use a light, good quality potting soil. A ratio of 40 % garden peat and 60 % peat moss is best. If the 'ebb and flow' method is used, add 10% Purlite. Fertiliser: 1 to 1,5 P.G. mix + 0,5 kg triple superphosphate.

Temperature

Starting temperature for potting up is ± 15 °C. Once the plant is well rooted, lower the temperature to 5 to 8 °C. Hold this temperature for 6 to 8 weeks in order to get the plant to set buds (cold period). After this cold period the temperature can be allowed to rise slowly to a maximum of 12 °C. If the weahter is very light, increased light can be given to a maximum of 4 °C.

Light

From January extend the day to 16 hours using at least 15 watt per square metre. This will bring flowering forward by ± 10 days. With 16 hours assimilation lightning at 3000 watt a square metre, the plant will flower after ± 8 weeks. This process can be started from about mid December if the plants have had a cold period of at least 6 weeks. Average < 10 °C.

Fertilising

Once the plants are well rooted, add plant food each time you water; using a mixture of 75% potassium nitrate and 25% magnesium sulphate. When the buds are clearly visible,alternate occasionally with mixed fertiliser with a higher nitrogen content(e.g. 20-20-20)because the plant uses more nitrogen at this stage.

Growth control

In early autumn and after the cold period, growth regulators must be used if growth is too fast. The following growth regulators can be used:

• Cycocel(750 gr/lt):100 tot 200 ml per 100 litres of water
• Bonzi: 100 tot 500 ml per 100 litres of water

Grow regulators measures should be used while the root ball is moist; either in the morning, just after dawn, or in the evening, to prevent leaf burn.

Plant protection

Botrytis and Phytophthora are the main diseases to which Pelargonium is susceptible. Botrytis can be combated with Rovral, Topsin, Teldor and Thiram. Phytophthora can be combated with Previcur, Aliette or Ridomil Gold. White fly can be combated with Admire, Admiral, Teppeki, Aseptacarex, Decis en Applaud. Use Nomolt against caterpillars.

Before using the abovementioned growth regulators check if those products are allowed in your country. Handelskwekerij Hendriks is not responsible for using regulators which are forbidden by national law.

Please contact us for any further information you may require.