The differences between growing cut flowers and traditional pot plants are in fact relatively limited. These differences concern the enhancement of presentation and the vase life.
The techniques for growing cut flowers will be determined by the production schedule and by the choice of the most suitable varieties.
This selection of varieties is the direct result of several studies analysing vase life and the productivity of our whole large-flowered Halios® range.
Some diseases and pests directly undermine the quality and extent to which the flowers grow. Considerable damage may be caused.
The efficient preparation and packing of cut flowers may well be key factors with regard to ensuring long vase life for florists and consumers.
It is recommended to grow the flowers on open shelves for handling reasons and above all for ventilation purposes.
14 to 18 cm (5.5 to 7'') diameter, clay pot which helps the roots stick to the pot more easily and thus facilitate picking.
A pot with a larger diameter can delay flowering. However, at the same time it enables the picking period to be extended.
Draining and well-aired (10% perlite) - 1 Kg. PG mix /m3.
Light intensity between 300 and 400 W/m2.
Minimum night temperature 14 - 15 °C (57 - 59°F)
Maximum day temperature 20 – 25°C (68 - 77°F)
Ventilation temperature 20 – 25°C (68 - 77°F)
It is always possible to reduce the minimum temperatures to 12°C (53°F) if the area’s climate is dry and bright.
NPK = 1 / 1 / 3 until October to restrict the excessive input of nitrogen and favour the contribution made by potassium. EC total 0.7 – 1 mS/cm.
After October, change to a 1 / 1 / 2 balance to increase the chances of bud development. EC total 1.5 – 1.8 mS /cm.
The treatment is the same as that used for growing in pots. However, we are going to look in more detail at the question of pests and diseases which may affect flowers more directly.
All our studies are conducted on our Halios®, series therefore the schedule should be the same as the one that already exists for growing in October-November through to February-March.
In order to optimise the quality of flowers picked, the most northerly areas in Europe are best suited for early picking between October and January. The best period for growing in more southerly areas is December to March.
This schedule sharing is a response to adapting to rays and temperatures suited to our Halios® series. The excess heat is avoided for flowering in Southern Europe and less money is spent on energy for harvesting in Northern Europe.
Here are some useful tips for schedules designed for Northern Europe:
Here are some useful tips for schedules designed for Southern Europe:
|
Pot |
Repotting |
Harvesting |
Northern Europe |
14-15 cm (5.5-5.9'') |
Weeks 20-22 |
Oct. – January |
Southern Europe |
16-18 cm |
Weeks 24-26 |
Nov. - February |
As previously stated we select from our Halios® series. Our series gathers together innovative creations which provide novel shapes and colours to add a distinctive touch to growing cut flowers. We have carried out an experimental test on our site in order to assess productivity and vase life.
The timetable for our test is suited to the climatic conditions for the South of France.
|
Sowing |
Repotting |
Start of flowering |
Harvesting |
Halios CURLY® |
8 |
24 |
44 |
52-08 |
Halios |
10 |
26 |
42 |
52-08 |
Following the results of our tests we analysed the productivity of each of the different colours. Productivity is expressed in terms of stems per plant, per week, and the total amount per plant in nine weeks of picking.
The total production per season may be vary depending on the market demands and it is also necessary to take into account the conditions in Southern France in which we conducted our test.
A weekly harvesting cycle is recommended.
|
Stems / |
Stems / |
Halios CURLY® Blanc / White - 2525 |
4.7 |
42.3 |
Halios Magenta flammé / Magenta Flame - 2150 |
5.2 |
46.8 |
Halios Victoria 50 - 2700 |
5.3 |
47.7 |
Halios Magenta flammé decora / Magenta Flame Silverleaf - 2200 |
5.7 |
51.3 |
Halios CURLY® S. Ecarlate exp / Scarlet -2420 |
6.3 |
56.7 |
Halios Saumon flam. exp / Salmon Flame - 2998 |
6.7 |
60.3 |
Halios Victoria 50 mélange / Victoria 50 mix -2890 |
7.2 |
64.8 |
Halios Victoria 50 Saumon / Victoria 50 Salmon-2730 |
7.2 |
64.8 |
Halios Fuchsia exp / Fuchsia - 2998 |
7.7 |
69.3 |
Halios FANTASIA® Fr Fuchsia vif exp / Bright Fuchsia- 2998 |
8.0 |
72 |
Halios FANTASIA® Violet fonce / Dark purple fant - 2395 |
8.1 |
72.9 |
Halios FANTASIA® Violet foncé / Purple - 2495 |
8.2 |
73.8 |
Halios FANTASIA® Magenta / Magenta - 2305 |
8.4 |
75.6 |
In parallel to the production test on the different colours we have carried out a vase life study for all of our references. Half of the stems were cut at the base and the other half were split between 1cm and 2 cm to enhance hydration. The two systems can be compared. The flowers were always picked in optimum hydration conditions for the plant.
This stem life test was conducted in ambient greenhouse temperature with water without any additives.
The vase life results are expressed in weeks :
|
Normal stem |
Split stem |
Halios Magenta flam. / Magenta Flame |
2.1 |
2.5 |
Halios Fantasia Fr Fuchsia vif- exp /Bright Fuschia |
2.3 |
2.8 |
Halios Magenta flam. decora / Magenta Flame Silverleaf |
2 |
3 |
Halios Saumon flam.- exp / Salmon Flame |
2.4 |
3 |
Halios Fantasia Fr Violet fonce- exp / Dark purple |
2.6 |
3 |
Halios Fuchsia exp |
2.4 |
3.1 |
Halios Fantasia Violet fonce / Dark purple |
2.9 |
3.1 |
Halios Frange Blanc / White Fringe |
2.7 |
3.3 |
Halios Fantasia Magenta |
3.2 |
3.3 |
Halios Fr Saumon Ecarlate -exp / Salmon Scarlet |
2.8 |
3.5 |
Halios Victoria 50 |
3.5 |
3.6 |
Halios Victoria 50 melange |
3.5 |
3.8 |
Halios Victoria 50 Saumon |
4 |
4 |
The results showed the good vase life of two series of the Halios® range: Victoria 50® and Fantasia with an average of 3 to 4 weeks.
The importance of splitting the stems at their base can also be underlined.
The improvement in terms of vase life of some varieties can be one week with the life average being 15% while some varieties can last up to 30% longer. Varieties that last longer benefit less from splitting.
Other techniques for improving water absorption exist, but it is always necessary to respect stem stability. No sort of fastener liable to damage the stem tissue must be used. Folded or damaged stems have a significantly reduced vase life.
When it is possible to pick out necroses on the edge of petals and the loss of the whole corolla this indicates that the vase life of the cyclamen stems is finished. The loss of the corolla can be speeded up by pollination : it is thus necessary to take the necessary steps to avoid this pollination coming from insects, especially bees. One of the preventive measures involves placing nets at the openings with the mesh being adapted to the size of the insects.
Nutritional balance is expressed in the soluble carbohydrates content. The sugar content changes depending on the light and temperature.
Variations in temperature during vase life result in their sugar reserves being used up to differing degrees. As for other cut flowers, a temporary cool period (5-10°C / 41-50°F) can extend vase life.
Flowers should be picked in the morning whenever possible as the stems are more turgescent and they can be pulled more easily. The picking method consists of holding the stem at the bottom and turning it at the same time before giving it a good pull in order to remove it from the plant. It is important to avoid squashing the stem tissue when doing this.
As we mentioned beforehand when picking the flowers cutting 1 cm or 2 cm (0.4'' or 0.8'') from the stem base ensures enhanced vase life. It is also important to ensure that no damage of any type has been caused to the stems and petals by insects or phytotoxicity.
Stem length varies from 20 cm (7.9'') to 30 cm (11.8'') depending on varieties and the season.
Distilled water or water with very low conductivity provides the best results. Other products with higher osmotic pressure just prevent water from being absorbed properly by the stems.
Any damage (scratch – graze) or insect attack which occurs in transit will be quickly exploited by botrytis.
Different types of packing can be used :
The size is adjusted to accommodate a total of 10 to 15 stems.
Advantage : the system is simple and inexpensiveDrawback : the risk of damaging the petals or splashing them with the water reserve, with the ensuing risk of botrytis
Drawback : the risk of damaging the petals or splashing them with the water reserve, with the ensuing risk of botrytis
Advantage : easy storage for transport, no splashing.
Drawback : this system requires a special machine which takes a long time to pay for itself.
The ideal transport temperature is 8°C (46°F).
In the previous chapters we tackled the question of disease and pests which pose the biggest threat to cyclamens, and now we are going to look at the threats that directly damage the flower.
The treatments are identical to those used for pot growing.
The following pests can directly affect flowers:
Botrytis is the disease that most often directly damages the flowers and plant.
The fight against thrips must be carefully tracked ; treatments are often put in place too late. It is highly recommended to take preventive measures. There are detection systems using traps enabling counting and treatments to be activated.
Tarsonemus pallidus – the cyclamen mite- can appear throughout the whole growing cycle: from germination to flowering. Regular monitoring of plants enables these suspect individuals to be quickly eliminated.
The following preventive measures can be taken :
Botrytis cinerea (grey mould) preys on cyclamen, attacking plants at all stages. The climatic conditions for growing cyclamen (15-20°C / 59-68°F) correspond to the ideal conditions for the spread of champignon. Botrytis cinerea is a permanent threat of infection. It can attack all organs at every stage of growth.
It is necessary to have full control over the greenhouse climate:
It is also necessary to :
However, Botrytis cinerea is indifférent to the pH.
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