Optimierung der Beetkultur

Page 2/6 Optimization tips for growing cyclamen in California adapted for outdoor use 2. Pots, soil and culture trays When making a selection of pots and culture trays, one has to take into account several points with direct effect on irriga- tion, asphyxia risks and diseases of the crop:  Choose pots with highly draining bottom design. Some manufacture have designed a bottom with two levels with up to 8 holes on each level. This allows good oxygenation of the soil and correct drainage at the same time. These are essential conditions for accurate nutrition.  Choose pots that guarantee total opacity (often of the thermoformed type, black inside). Cyclamen roots are very sensitive to the passage of light which limits its capacity of absorption and, in consequence, increases the asphyxia risks. Pot with good drainage on 2 levels A mixed structure of plastic combined with shade cloth and maximal lateral ventilation, can contribute to better results. As from the begin- ning of November, in most warm zones of California, this shade cloth can be removed in order to recover light levels adapted to the crop. Glasshouse with shading cloth on the outside  Choose a soil with good structure and drainage. During of our visits we have seen that some of the mixtures contained up to 30% perlite. This type of mixtures seems to be formulated to compensate possible excesses of irrigation. Our proposal for pots of 4” (10.5 cm) is to improve the water holding capacity by using a mixture composed of fiber peat moss, white peat (fraction 0-1”) and 15% of perlite. Good draining soil improves the right development of rootsystem  Choose the right culture tray which holds the pots completely and has openings in the bottom in order to drain water as much as possible. With this kind of tray we get the best moist and temperature buffer effect for a perfect rooting. It is advisable to space the cyclamen in the same trays. Available up to 16 holes per tray for 4” (10.5 cm) pot. Good draining substrate