Poinsettia Finishing Tips: The Last Three Weeks
Temperature: By Karl Trellinger, Syngenta Technical Services
(11/12/12) -- The ideal temperature to finish poinsettias depends on the variety, root system and humidity in the greenhouse. Medium-green-leaf varieties such as Whitestar™, Maren™, etc. should not be finished at night temperatures cooler than 65oF. Dark-leaf varieties generally can be finished cooler at 60-62oF nights. Some energy-efficient varieties with large bracts, such asTitan™, Early Orion™, Orion™, Cortez™ Early Red and Mira™ Red, can be finished at 58oF nights, as long as the root system is good and relative humidity is below 75 percent. Keep average daily temperatures no lower than 62oF under these conditions. It is critical to provide even heat distribution, moisture level and good air flow to avoid Botrytis infection.
Cold Finishing
Syngenta Flowers has conducted extensive trials across North America with many varieties to better understand the effects of cold growing and finishing on growth and flowering. For more information on cool growing and finishing, review our document on Energy Efficient Poinsettia Production.
Light
Light levels of 3,000 foot candles (approximately 13-14 moles/day) are ideal up to three weeks prior to shipping. Levels can be lowered for the last two weeks to 2,000-2,500 foot candles (10-11 moles/day). It is important for the white and pink varieties to have lower light conditions during finishing to achieve the best coloring. Many red varieties can also bleach and fade under extremely high light levels the last two weeks of bract development.
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Poinsettia Finishing Tips: The Last Three Weeks
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