Dusty Miller Quicksilver Seedling Tray

For best results with Dusty Miller Quicksilver, plant one seedling plug per 1801-cell or 4-inch container. Use well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-6.3, EC of 0.5-1.8 mS/cm, and high feed with a calcium-based fertilizer (270-330 ppm N). Avoid excess ammonium or nitrogen, which can cause plants to stretch. Use additional magnesium sulfate and iron chelate once or twice. Provide temperatures of 58-60 nighttime and 60-64 daytime. Watch for spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, thrips, botrytis, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.

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 Quicksilver seedling plugs 5-7" on center. Adjust as needed for your greenhouse and plants. 

This plant is naturally dwarfing and doesn't require PGRs. However, apply daminozide or chlormequat cycocel to create even more compact plants. 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 thrips 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.

Thrips are tiny insects that eat plant tissue and can transmit viruses. Watch for silvery-white streaks or black spots on foliage and distorted growth. Use natural predators (like predatory mites), insecticidal soap, neem oil, and sticky traps to control infestations and prevent spread.

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, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.

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.

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 1801 cell or 4-inch container or three per 6- or 10-inch container. Completely bury the ellepot centered or evenly spaced in the container.