Dusty Miller Silverdust Seedling Tray

For best results with Dusty Miller Silverdust, plant one seedling plug per 1801-cell or 4-inch container. Use well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-6.0, EC of 0.5-1.8 mS/cm, and moderate feed (100-150 ppm N). Use a well-balanced fertilizer, avoiding excess ammonium or nitrogen, which can cause plants to stretch. Use additional magnesium sulphate and iron chelate once or twice. Provide average daily temperatures of 50-65. Watch for spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, caterpillars, and botrytis.

Small yellow flowers may bloom in summer but detract from the foliage. We recommend pinching off any flowers that appear. 

This plant doesn't require pinching. 

Space containers for adequate airflow and sunlight penetration around the base and foliage of each plant. We recommend spacing 4-inch containers of Dusty Miller Silverdust seedling plugs 5-7" on center. Adjust as needed for your greenhouse and plants. 

Apply daminozide or paclobutrazol as needed to regulate growth. Avoid using ammonium- or nitrogen-based fertilizer which can cause stretching. Use a calcium-based, well-balanced fertilizer for best results.

Scout for spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, and caterpillars as part of an Integrated Pest Management program. 

Spider Mites are tiny pests that cause stippling, yellowing, and webbing on foliage by feeding on plant sap. They flourish in warm, dry environments. Use correct water and fertilizing practices; over-fertilizing can attract spider mites. Proper humidity levels, predatory mites or ladybugs, and insecticidal soaps or oils may prevent or address a spider mite infestation.

Whiteflies are small, winged insects that eat plant sap and cause yellowed leaves and stunted growth. Severe infestations can lead to plants dying. Prevent infestations by sanitizing surfaces and tools and removing debris. Introduce natural predators and use sticky traps to control populations. Insecticidal soaps and oils are also effective against this pest.

Caterpillars feed on foliage, causing stunted growth. If you notice a few caterpillars, remove them by hand and dispose of them. For larger populations, use insecticidal soap or oil and beneficial insects like parasitic wasps, and keep your greenhouse clean and free of debris to reduce attractive habitats for pests.

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that cause damage by sucking sap from plant tissue. They reproduce quickly and are particularly attracted to young growth. Curling and yellowed leaves, stunted growth, and stickiness on leaves are signs of an infestation. These insects also spread diseases and reproduce rapidly. Use biological controls or horticultural oils to discourage and kill aphids.

This plant isn't prone to disease. Implement preventative strategies in your commercial greenhouse, especially watering at the base of each plant, allowing the soil to dry between waterings, and providing good airflow and spacing. Watch for signs of botrytis.

Botrytis is a common fungal disease that causes brown spots on stems, leaves, and flowers. Remove and destroy affected plants, maintain appropriate humidity levels, and apply fungicides with boscalid, fenhexamid, or iprodione to control the spread. Water plants in the morning and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

We recommend planting one seedling plug per 1801 cell or 4-inch container. Completely bury the ellepot centered in the container.