Celosia Castle Orange Seedling Tray

For best results with Castle Orange, plant one seedling plug per 1801 cell or 4-inch container or 3-5 per 10-inch container. Use a well-drained soil in full sun with a pH of 6.0-6.6, EC of 10-2.6 mS/cm (PourThru), and light feed (100-150 ppm). Maintain temperatures of 70-75 daytime and 65-68 nighttime. This cultivar is day-neutral. Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry between waterings. This variety responds to A-Rest, Cycocel, B-Nine, Bonzi, and Sumagic as needed and doesn't require pinching. Watch for aphids, spider mites, botrytis, and powdery mildew.

Orange flowers blooms from spring until frost.

This cultivar doesn't require pinching.

We recommend spacing containers of Castle Orange seedling plugs 6-8" apart in your greenhouse. Provide proper spacing to allow airflow and sunlight to reach around the base and foliage of each plant. Adequate spacing is one of the best preventative measures against diseases, legginess, and stunted growth.

In perfect cultural conditions, this cultivar may not need PGRs. However, it responds well to A-Rest, Cycocel, B-Nine, Bonzi, or Sumagic. Use any chemical growth regulator according to the label's instructions.

You may see aphids and spider mites. Scout regularly for pests and implement an Integrated Pest Management plan in your greenhouse to prevent insects and diseases from damaging your crops.

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.

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.

Discourage pest infestations by sanitizing materials and surfaces, watering appropriately, and keeping the greenhouse clean and free of debris.

Watch for signs of Botrytis and Powdery Mildew and treat plants preventatively or at the first sign of infection.

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.

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.

We recommend planting one seedling plug per 1801 cell or 4-inch container or three to five per 10-inch container. Use well-drained soil and completely bury the ellepot centered or evenly spaced in the container. Water each seedling after transplanting.