Schedule Crop - Delphinium Guardian

Delphinium Guardian

Data is gathered from our Elburn, Ill., trials (Zone 5a) for a North American audience. Warm-climate growers: expect 1-2 weeks earlier finishing. Cool-climate growers: expect 1 week slower. Dates based on standard 288 plug size.

Notes/Pitfall Management
A light Sumagic spray when flower spikes are 4"-6" tall can help reduce overall container height.

Week color desired

Sow week

Plug transplant week

Early Spring

Gallon
(1 ppp)

Not recommended for quart production.

Spring/Summer

Gallon
(1 ppp)

Not recommended for quart production. Not suitable for mid-summer sales.

Delphinium Guardian Blue

Delphinium Guardian Lavender

Delphinium Guardian White

Delphinium Guardian Mixture

Visit website for variety description and resources.

Germination
Seed Form:	RAW
PlugSize:	288
Seeds/Cell:	1
Plug Crop Weeks:	6-7
Days from 50% to maximum germination:	7-8
Cover Seed:	Yes

Plug Production
Stage 1
Moisture:	Level 4
Temperature:	65-70°F (18-21°C)
Light:	Optional

Stage 2
Moisture:	Level 3
Temperature:	65-70°F (18-21°C)
Light:	2,000-2,500 fc (21,500-26,900 Lux)
Fertilizer:	Less than 100 ppm N (Less than 0.7 EC)

Stage 3
Moisture:	Level 2
Temperature:	65-68°F (18-20°C)
Light:	2,000-2,500 fc (21,500-26,900 Lux)
Fertilizer:	100 to 175 ppm N (0.7 to 1.2 EC)

Stage 4
Moisture:	Level 2
Temperature:	60-65°F (16-18°C)
Light:	4,000-5,000 fc (43,100-53,800 Lux)
Fertilizer:	100 to 175 ppm N (0.7 to 1.2 EC)

Vernalization:	No
Propagation Key Tips:	For forcing info: See Perennials Forcing Guide. Best germinated in germ chamber with 95 to 97% RH in Stage 1. Maximum EC in propagation: 1.0.

Growing on to Finish
Growing on Temperature:	(day) 65-70°F (18-21°C) (night) 60°F (16°C)
Target Media pH/EC (1:2):	5.8-6.2 pH 1.4-1.5 mmhos/cm
Fertilizer:	175 to 225 ppm N (1.2 to 1.5 EC)
Daylength:	Facultative Long Day
Fertilizer Notation:	A week after transplant, begin fertilizing with 150 ppm N once a week when growing in the greenhouse. If grown outside, additional fertilizer may be required. Maintain an EC of 1.5 and a pH of 5.8 to 6.2 after transplant until finish.
Finishing Key Tips:	PGRs: 2 Bonzi sprays, the first approximately 3 weeks after transplant and the second approximately 2 weeks later. Possible third application may be necessary, subject to conditions. Delphinium are especially sensitive to Powdery Mildew; spray preventively if necessary. Ship and sell latest with flower spike one third open to decrease risk of petal shattering. See Cut Flower section for more details on cut flower production. Container production: PGR Bonzi (paclobutrazol) 1 or 2 applications 20 ppm spray.