Energy Efficient Annuals The Ecke Ranch understands the significant anxiety growers are experiencing over the rising cost of utilities, and in particular energy. Growers have always made their best returns with bedding plants, and by filling their greenhouses early in the season it has been possible to increase turns of product as well. But many crops grown in the early season require heating both day and night in order to be ready for sale, increasing overhead costs and leaving only a small margin for profit. However there are better options to explore! Many of the vegetative annuals available from the Ecke Ranch either tolerate or require cold temperatures in production and should be considered low energy crops. Not only do these crops cost less to produce, they also are better adapted to go into early spring retail sales where temperatures may not yet be ideal for most bedding plants sold to consumers. For growers who aren’t used to early spring production at cooler temperatures there are a few key factors to consider. Some aspects of production will need to be adjusted to reflect the impact cooler temperatures will have on plant function. Here are some of those factors: Plant selection: choose crops that tolerate colder temperatures. For early season sales also confirm which cultivars are either day neutral or quick to flower in order to meet the market date targets. Crop scheduling: total production time may be longer for most crops when grown at colder temperatures. Growing media: colder temperatures result in media drying slower, choose a mix with excellent drainage and aeration to avoid problems with pathogens such as Pythium and Phytophthera or insect pests such as fungus gnat larvae. Irrigation schedules: plant growth is slower at colder temperatures and plants will not use water / fertilizer as aggressively as they do under warmer conditions Fertility: avoid fertilizers high in ammonium or urea forms of nitrogen to minimize risk of toxicity problems. Choose a complete balanced blend that incorporate calcium or potassium nitrate and also contain minor elements. Light Levels: provide the highest light levels available to promote good growth and flowering while minimizing stretch. Light levels in winter are already low so avoid further reductions by hanging baskets above crops. If hanging baskets can’t be avoided, space them properly to allow light to reach the crop below. Growth Regulators: Cool temperatures combined with high light will minimize stretch and reduce the need for plant growth regulators (PGR’s). If required, choose a growth regulator appropriate to the stage of growth of the crop. Cooler temperatures prolong activity of the chemical and in often prolong time to flower as well as impact flower size. Disease/Insect Concerns: Insects typically do not thrive at cooler temperatures but make scouting part of your routine anyway and treat accordingly when a problem arises. Diseases like Pythium, Phytophthera, Botrytis, and Downy Mildew can become active, so consider applying a broad spectrum fungicide as a preventive action and focus on maintaining an environment that is not as conducive to the development of diseases. For more detail on those crops that can be grown at cooler temperatures, visit our website at http://www.ecke.com, and click on the link to our Fast Facts Production Guidelines for each crop listed below. These documents provide more complete cultural information for all of the Flower Fields annuals suitable for production at night temperatures below 60F/15C: Here are some of our Energy Efficient Annuals for you to choose from: Argyranthemum Bacopa (Sutera cordata) Brachyscome Bracteantha Calibrachoa Colorburst Diascia Sun Chimes™ Gaura Lamium Orchid Frost Nemesia Sachet™ Petunias Sunscape Daisy Verbena Below are crops that can be grown at less than 50F/10C: Diascia Sun Chimes™ Nemesia Sachet™ Sunscape Daisy Many of these crops are suitable for production in greenhouses with retractable roofs and can be grown right along side many perennial crops, spring pansies, violas, or other crops considered to be low energy. Crops grown cold can be placed outdoors after any danger of frost has past or if frost protection is being used. Crop schedules will vary between crops and container sizes. Schedules provided on the Fast Facts are based on typical spring growing conditions unless otherwise noted (schedules may reflect total crop time at warmer temperatures).Cooler temperatures than those given extend total crop time by two-three weeks for most crops in 4 and 6” containers. Total crop time in larger containers and hanging baskets may be extended by four to six weeks in response to increased soil volume and moisture levels typical of larger containers. For best results, root establishment of all crops should be encouraged by growing at temperatures between 55-65F/13-18C. Once root systems have expanded, temperatures can be reduced to a more appropriate range for the crop. Save on energy costs, increase your profits, and grow “energy efficient annuals”; the benefits are obvious! Once you fine tune your culture to reflect the needs of the plant at cooler temperatures, you and your plants will be a sure success. Please email questions to rsiemonsma@eckeranch.com or call Rebecca Siemonsma at 760-944-4060. You can also post questions on our live bulletin board at www.EckeRanchTechHelp.com.