Schedule Crop - Digitalis Dalmatian

Digitalis Dalmatian

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
Short day bulked plugs (grown under 10hr photoperiod) or overwintered plugs will produce a higher quality finished crop. 14hr photoperiod required for flower initiation so long-day lighting is required for early spring flowering. Sumagic spray when flower spikes are 4"-6" tall can reduce the overall container height and strengthen the flower stem. Do not allow to wilt after flower initiation.

Week color desired

Sow week

Plug transplant week

Early Spring

Gallon
(1 ppp)

Spring/Summer

Gallon
(1 ppp)

Digitalis Dalmatian Mixture

Digitalis Dalmatian Crème

Digitalis Dalmatian Peach

Digitalis Dalmatian Rose

Digitalis Dalmatian Purple

Digitalis Dalmatian White

Visit website for variety description and resources.

Germination
Seed Form:	PEL
PlugSize:	288
Seeds/Cell:	1
Plug Crop Weeks:	5-6
Days from 50% to maximum germination:	5-6
Cover Seed:	No

Plug Production
Stage 1
Moisture:	Level 4
Temperature:	65-68°F (18-20°C)
Light:	Light

Stage 2
Moisture:	Level 3
Temperature:	65-68°F (18-20°C)
Light:	2,000-2,500 fc (21,500-26,900 Lux)
Fertilizer:	Less than 100 ppm N (Less than 0.7 EC)
PGR:	daminozide/2,000 ppm/Spray paclobutrazol/5 ppm/Spray uniconazole/3 ppm/Spray

Stage 3
Moisture:	Level 3
Temperature:	60-65°F (16-18°C)
Light:	2,000-2,500 fc (21,500-26,900 Lux)
Fertilizer:	100 to 175 ppm N (0.7 to 1.2 EC)
PGR:	daminozide/2,000 ppm/Spray paclobutrazol/5 ppm/Spray uniconazole/3 ppm/Spray

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)
PGR:	daminozide/2,000 ppm/Spray paclobutrazol/5 ppm/Spray uniconazole/3 ppm/Spray

Vernalization:	No
Propagation Key Tips:	Critical Daylength: 14 hours. Short day (10 hours) bulk needed for forcing. For forcing info: See Perennials Forcing Guide. Spray damp-off fungicide.

Growing on to Finish
Growing on Temperature:	(day) 60-68°F (16-20°C) (night) 50-65°F (10-18°C)
Target Media pH/EC (1:2):	5.8-6.2 pH 1.0-1.5 mmhos/cm
Fertilizer:	175 to 225 ppm N (1.2 to 1.5 EC)
Daylength:	Facultative Long Day
Daylength Notation:	Daylength: 14 hours.
Fertilizer Notation:	Apply constant fertilizer at rate 1 to 2 (75 to 100 ppm N/0.5 to 0.7 mmhos/cm EC). Maintain the pH at 5.8 to 6.2. A pH of 7 or higher may cause younger leaf yellowing, short plants and stress flowering.
Finishing Key Tips:	Digitalis can be grown under high light, provided there is enough moisture. Monitor media EC when generative and maintain levels. Avoid drying out, as this could cause flower abortion.