Schedule Crop - Echinacea Cheyenne Spirit

Echinacea Cheyenne Spirit

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
Cheyenne Spirit Echinacea is first year flowering. However, a plug or liner grown under short days for bulking will greatly enhance the flower count and uniformity of flowering. Purpling of the lower foliage can occur occasionally. If noted, increase fertility. Several stronger applications of 20-10-20 can reduce the visibility of discoloration. B9/Cycocel combination is very effective if needed.

Week color desired

Sow week

Plug transplant week

Early Spring

Quart
(1 ppp)

Gallon
(1 ppp)

Plugs must be grown under short days from 2 to 7 true leaf stage for full and uniform flowering. Apply long day lighting beginning at transplant for approximately 6 weeks until flower initiation (visible knot). Try using 3 plugs per gallon for a mix of colors in one container.

Spring/Summer

Quart
(1 ppp)

Gallon
(1 ppp)

Late-Summer/Fall

Quart
(1 ppp)

Gallon
(1 ppp)

Plugs must be grown under short days from 2 to 7 true leaf stage for full and uniform flowering. Try using 3 plugs per gallon for a mix of colors in one container. Best grown outdoors in full sun. Be aware of nutrient levels and replenish if leached by heavy rains.

Echinacea Cheyenne Spirit

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Germination
Seed Form:	RAW
PlugSize:	128
Seeds/Cell:	1
Plug Crop Weeks:	5-6
Days from 50% to maximum germination:	4-14
Cover Seed:	Yes

Plug Production
Stage 1
Moisture:	Level 4
Temperature:	71-76°F (22-24°C)
Light:	Optional

Stage 2
Moisture:	Level 3-4
Temperature:	71-73°F (22-23°C)
Light:	5-8 mol·m⁻²·d⁻¹
Fertilizer:	Less than 100 ppm N (Less than 0.7 EC)

Stage 3
Moisture:	Level 2-4
Temperature:	68-70°F (20-21°C)
Light:	10 mol·m⁻²·d⁻¹
Fertilizer:	100 to 175 ppm N (0.7 to 1.2 EC)

Stage 4
Moisture:	Level 2-4
Temperature:	65-67°F (18-19°C)
Light:	10-15 mol·m⁻²·d⁻¹
Fertilizer:	175 to 225 ppm N (1.2 to 1.5 EC)

Vernalization:	No
Juvenility:	Up to the 2 fully mature leaf stage.
Propagation Key Tips:	Forcing Protocol: Produce plug or liner to the 2 fully mature leaf stage. At the 2 fully mature leaf stage, begin short day conditions. Continue short day conditions until plant reaches 7 fully mature leaves. The 128 is the minimum size for SD grown plugs to 7 fully mature leaves. For more forcing info: See Perennials Forcing Guide and GrowerFacts Extra Spring and Fall forcing.

Growing on to Finish
Growing on Temperature:	(day) 65-75°F (18-24°C) (night) 60-65°F (16-18°C)
Target Media pH/EC (1:2):	5.8-6.5 pH 1.5-2.0 mmhos/cm
Fertilizer:	175 to 225 ppm N (1.2 to 1.5 EC)
Daylength:	Short Day-Long Day
Daylength Notation:	Grow plugs under SD (≤12 hours) until 7 mature leaves. Thereafter, 100% plants flower at ≥10 hours when grown under high daily light integral (DLI; ~15 moles/m²/d) and at ≥12 hours under low DLI (~5 moles/m²/d). Plants flowered ~5 weeks faster at ≥13 hours than at 10 under higher DLI and ~2 weeks faster at ≥13 hours than at 12 under low DLI. Therefore, fastest flowering at ≥13 hours.
Bulking Strategy:	Short days are recommended to bulk the liners prior to long day conditions. Produce plugs to the 2 fully mature leaf stage. At the 2 fully mature leaf stage, begin short day conditions. Continue short day conditions until plants reach at least 7 fully mature leaves. Bulking can take place in the liner or in the finish container. After short day treatment, grow under long day conditions (natural or extended).