COMMERCIAL HYDRANGEA CULTURE
Subject:
Illinois State Florists' Association
Abstract:
A. Terminal cuttings can be made from the tips of vegetative shoots. Budded or flowering shoots are not satisfactory. These cuttings may be taken by mid-May to be rooted by early June for pinching by mid-July. B. Mid-stem pairs of leaves make good 1 or 2 eye cuttings. For the most uniform development, 2 eyed cuttings should be taken 10 to 14 days after removal of a terminal cutting, but the common practice is to obtain these from extra shoots re moved from flowering plants in March. The stem is cut % inch above and % inch below the node. Avoid trimming leaves if possible because the leaf is necessary to manufacture food. Larger leaves may be trimmed to facilitate disease control. C. An air temperature of 50o-60°F is suitable if 70°F bottom heat is provided. D. Cuttings require high humidity. Provide adequate mist or shade to maintain turgidity. E. Cuttings should root in 3 to 4 weeks. They may be potted into 3 or 31/2 inch pots. If propagated later, they may be planted directly into the 5 to 6 inch pots in which they will be forced. FIELD CULTURE A. Avoid hardening of plants in 3 inch pots. Shift to 5 or 6 inch clay pots in May or June. Plants for shipping are grown in 3 to 5 inch pots depending upon the size of plants produced. Plunge immediately to thesrims outdoors providing an air space below the pot for drainage. In some areas, lath shade is provided until mid-August. Some varieties, such as Strafford, may break better if allowed to establish a good root system before being placed outdoors.
Source: • Illinois State Florists' Association Bulletin # 352
Keywords: Propagation cold storage FIELD CULTURE SUMMER FERTILIZATION Low potassium
Libraries: Floriculture