Bedding Plant Production Mr. Fredrickson

Bedding Plants are: O Annuals O Complete their life cycle in one growing season. O Desired for their color or other unique characteristics. O Are easy to propagate and maintain. O Exhibit rapid growth to bloom and fruiting time.

Success in Marketing Bedding Plants O Two key factors: O Plan production and marketing to take advantage of spring demand. O Plan production and marketing to increase demand preceding and following the annual spring sales season.

Extending the Bedding Plant Season O Two key factors: 1. Container plant gardening featuring:  Four and five inch pot plants  Hanging baskets  Patio planters 2. Plant plugs O Plants in various stages of growth which can be transplanted to supplement plantings well into the season.

Bedding Plant Cultural Considerations for the Sales Season O Condition plants for use in the outdoor landscape. O Restrict growth of flowering plant packs. O Allow growth of younger packs (“green plants” not yet in bloom) and flowering container plants.

Plants Traditionally Sold “Green” O Tall-growing plants; e.g. snapdragons, zinnias. Prevents difficulty in transport and likelihood of stem breakage.

Flowering Annuals Sold in Packs O Seed propagated. O Low rates of fertilization used after establishment to prevent rapid growth. O Nitrogen is particularly withheld to prevent rapid growth (exception: marigolds).

Bedding Plant Plugs O Usual sizes: O 400 seedlings per 11 X 21 inch flat O 800 seedlings per 11 X 21 inch flat O Growth of transplants must be allowed in order to achieve bloom times within a reasonable amount of time after transplant to cell packs or permanent containers.

Bedding Plant Plugs Continued  Plant immediately upon arrival or  Hold no longer than two to three days (any longer reduces plant quality and disrupts the growing schedule).  Reduce light and temperature for holding.

Upon transplant: O Irrigate with dilute fertilizer solution. O Place in greenhouse with correct levels of light and heat for the plant type.

Considerations for Use of Annuals as Bedding Plants in the Landscape  Purpose of the planting:  Cutting materials  Containerized plantings  As filler in perennial, bulb, or shrub plant beds.  Place in the landscape  Height of the plant  Color selection and blending with other flowers.

General Cultural Procedures for Propagating, Growing, and Maintaining Bedding Plants O Seed indoors in starter media six to eight weeks before planting (according to the annual used and the last frost date)

 Prepare the soil with amendments as necessary  Peat moss (for organic matter) or sand (for drainage and aeration) in the fall prior to spring planting.  Fertilize with a mix per 100 square feet in the spring and add soluble fertilizer at during the growth period (or granular at ).  Lime with five pounds per 100 square feet if soil pH is below 6.0.

 Plant after the frost-free date at the same depth as the starter container, spacing according to recommendations for the plants.  Initially, firm soil around roots and water; fertilize with high phosphate solution.  Water, weed, and mulch as needed to maintain a healthy plant environment.  Pinch faded blossoms to redirect plant energy toward constant blooming.  Use IPM tactics for insect control.

Round Arrangements

Step 1 Cut 1/3 or a block of oasis, presoak in solution of water and flower food Place Oasis in a round container

Step 2 Secure oasis with daisy tape Crisscross tape, offset from center so that you can insert stems For added holding wrap daisy tape around lip of container to hold crisscross strips in place

Step 3 Insert Leather Leaf or other foliage to define size and shape of arrangement Pieces are inserted at top center, then 12, 3, 6, and 9 o ’ clock as you look from the top

Step 4 Add more Leather Leaf and/or other greenery to make the container look like a little bush This helps to hide oasis and tape Also defines size and shape of the arrangement

Step 5 Cut small primary flower (in this case a carnation) so that it is about even with the top of the foliage Insert flower Avoid long stems or inserting and repositioning because this damages the oasis

Step 6 Insert Larger primary flowers into 12, 3, 6, and 9 o ’ clock positions at the base of the arrangement. Again cut stems so that the length fits into the shape of the arrangement

Step 7 Place other primary flowers evenly spaced through out the arrangement Keep in mind overall size and shape of the arrangement while cutting and placing flowers

Step 8 Add filler flowers throughout the arrangement Make sure appearance is natural and not “ clumpy ” This adds size, fills in holes, and makes the arrangement look more expensive without adding much in cost to florist