Heliotrope Marine Seedling Tray

For best results with Heliotrope Marine, plant one seedling plug per 4-inch, one or two per 6-inch or three to five per 10-inch container. Use well-drained soil with a pH of 5.8-6.2, EC of 1.2-2.0 mS/cm, and medium feed (175-225 ppm N). Provide light levels of 5,000-9,000 fc and temperatures of 71-76 daytime and 50-61 nighttime. Pinch once or twice and use B-Nine and Cycocel to regulate growth if needed. Watch for whiteflies, spider mites, aphids, and root rot.  

Dark purple, vanilla-scented flowers bloom from spring through fall.

Pinch once or twice. 

Space containers for adequate airflow and sunlight penetration around the base and foliage of each plant. We recommend spacing 4-, 6-, or 10-inch containers 12-18" on center for proper circulation and growth. 

Growing this plant in cool temperatures with high light levels typically eliminates the need for PGRs. However, in non-ideal conditions, or if needed, use a spray of B-Nine at 1,500-3,000 ppm or Cycocel at 750-1,000 ppm tank mix during finishing. 

Scout for whiteflies, spider mites, and aphids as part of your commercial greenhouse's Integrated Pest Management plan. Remember, prevention is the best method of controlling infestations.

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.

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.

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 diseases, but you should implement preventative measures against root rot, including watering at the base of each plant in the morning, allowing the soil to dry between waterings, and providing good airflow in your greenhouse. You may also use a precautionary fungicide drench.

Root Rot occurs in poorly drained or overly wet soil, which becomes the host for several types of fungi. It causes stunted growth, wilting, and root system decay. Prevention is the best treatment, and you will avoid most root rot problems by using clean, well-draining media, appropriate containers, and good watering practices for finishing seedling plugs. Inspect plants for signs of disease regularly. Repot infected plants in well-draining soil, adjust your watering schedule, provide better airflow, and use a fungicide if needed.

We recommend planting one seedling plug per 4-inch, one or two per 6-inch, or three to five per 10-inch container. Use well-drained soil and completely bury the ellepots in the container, centering or evenly spacing them.