Ipomoea Alba Seedling Tray

For best results with Alba, plant one seedling plug per 4-inch container or two to three per 10-inch container. Use well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8, EC of 1.0-2.0 mS/cm, and medium feed (150-200 ppm N) with a balanced fertilizer at 20-20-20 NPK. Provide warm temperatures of 80-90 daytime and 60-70 nighttime for this tropical plant. Watch for spider mites, whiteflies, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. Don't pinch or use PGRs. 

Large, fragrant white trumpet-shaped flowers bloom from July to October, opening from evening until noon.

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 Alba 18-24" on center to prevent overcrowding and disease problems. Adjust as needed for your commercial greenhouse.

This is a vining plant that doesn't require PGRs.

Scout for spider mites and whiteflies as part of your greenhouse's Integrated Pest Management program. Prevention is the best method for controlling pests.

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.

Watch for signs of powdery mildew and leaf spot in Alba seedling plugs in your commercial greenhouse. Take preventative measures against diseases, including watering at the base of each plant in the morning, allowing the soil to dry between waterings, and providing good airflow and adequate spacing between containers.

Powdery Mildew is a fungal disease that thrives in humid conditions, appearing as a white or gray coating on foliage and flowers. Provide good airflow in your greenhouse. We recommend horizontal airflow fans to help control humidity levels alongside a dehumidifier or manual venting. Remove and destroy infected plants and apply fungicides as needed or preventatively. Look for the active ingredients myclobutanil, trifloxystrobin, or potassium bicarbonate to combat Powdery Mildew threatening your seedling plugs.

Bacterial Leaf Spot results from a bacterial pathogen and causes water-soaked yellow or brown lesions on foliage. These may merge and cause leaves to turn yellow and drop. Prevent bacterial leaf spot by practicing sanitation and hygiene, watering at the base of each plant, and space plants for adequate circulation and light penetration. At the first signs of infection, remove the affected leaves and treat the remaining plants with a copper-based fungicide like hydroxide, sulfate, oxychloride, or octanoate. Use fungicides carefully according to the label's instructions, and be aware that applying copper-based fungicides at high rates or during hot, dry weather can lead to phytotoxicity.

We recommend planting one seedling plug per 4-inch or two to three per 10-inch container. Use well-drained soil and completely bury the ellepots centered or evenly spaced in the containers.