Schedule Crop - Hibiscus Luna™

Hibiscus Luna™

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
Seedlings can stretch very quickly leading to poor quality plugs. Trimming plugs does not work well. An A-rest spray on the seed at sowing can reduce initial stretch. Post germination, B9/Cycocel is useful. Sumagic can also be used but can lead to hard, stunted plugs. Plugs and containers should be grown above 68F ADT or crop times will be much longer and cultural issues can arise.

Week color desired

Sow week

Plug transplant week

Spring/Summer

Gallon
(1 ppp)

Not recommended for Spring sales. Difficult to force into flower even with heat and long day lighting.

Late-Summer/Fall

Gallon
(1 ppp)

Hibiscus Luna™ Pink Swirl

Hibiscus Luna™ Red

Hibiscus Luna™ Rose

Hibiscus Luna™ White

Hibiscus Luna™ Mixture

Visit website for variety description and resources.

Germination
Seed Form:	RAW
PlugSize:	288
Seeds/Cell:	1
Plug Crop Weeks:	3-4
Days from 50% to maximum germination:	3-5
Cover Seed:	Yes

Plug Production
Stage 1
Moisture:	Level 4
Temperature:	68-75°F (20-24°C)
Light:	Dark

Stage 2
Moisture:	Level 3
Temperature:	68-71°F (20-22°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 3
Moisture:	Level 2
Temperature:	68-71°F (20-22°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:	chlormequat chloride/300 ppm/Spray

Stage 4
Moisture:	Level 2
Temperature:	68-71°F (20-22°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:	chlormequat chloride/300 ppm/Spray

Vernalization:	No - damage to plugs results below 41°F (5°C)
Propagation Key Tips:	For forcing info: See Perennials Forcing Guide. Cover seed with plug media. Grow plants under daily average temperature above 68°F (20°C) and keep media moist to wet. Use PGRs in warmer conditions from true leaf stage onwards: tank mix of Cycocel (chlormequat chloride) 300 ppm and B-Nine (daminozide) 2,500 ppm.

Growing on to Finish
Growing on Temperature:	(day) 70-85°F (21-29°C) (night) 65-70°F (18-21°C)
Target Media pH/EC (1:2):	6.0-6.5 pH 1.5-2.0 mmhos/cm
Fertilizer:	225 to 300 ppm N (1.5 to 2.0 EC)
Daylength:	Facultative Long Day
Daylength Notation:	Long day min. 12 hours; optimum 14 hours or longer.
Fertilizer Notation:	Feed plants weekly at 200 to 250 ppm N in a well-balanced fertilizer. Sensitivity to iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn). Both are difficult to absorb under wet conditions, and we recommend wet conditions for Luna. Over-pasteurization (steam) will release Mn. Mn toxicity causes leaf spotting and death.
Chemical Sensitivity:	Sensitivity to iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn). Both are difficult to absorb under wet conditions, and we recommend wet conditions for Luna. Over-pasteurization (steam) will release Mn. Mn toxicity causes leaf spotting and death.
Finishing Key Tips:	Does not need pinching. Maintain media in high moisture. Growing plant too dry will result in flower bud abortion. Monitor for Thrips, Aphids and Spider Mites. Growth stops and lower leaves turn yellow when grown below 68°F (20°C). In Southern climates, stronger PGRs may be needed; option is Bonzi 0.5 ppm drench. High light will promote branching and reduce plant height. Spacing when plants touch each other is highly recommended.