To help optimize seedling yield and plug quality, following these procedures precisely. The most important factor is uniformity between each cell and each plug tray, including filling the tray, placing the seed, watering the trays and maintaining the proper environment. It is also essential to keep good records from sow to transplant date to help you perfect your plug growing skills from year to year. Complete technical guides are available for all varieties bred by Syngenta Flowers.
1. Seed: Buy the best seed you can afford, packed in the quantities appropriate for your sow schedule, and use it promptly this season. GoldSmart&™ primed seed, which is chemically treated to start the germination process, will germinate faster and more uniformly than improved or standard seed.
2. Plug Trays: Always use new or completely sanitized plug trays to prevent disease. Choose plug trays that have a narrow “V” shape for better moisture control in the root zone.
3. Growing Media: Plug growing media typically has very low porosity, only 10 to 14 percent. Choose one like Super Fine Germinating Mix (loose-filled medium) or Young Plant Mix (baled medium) from Fafard®.
4. Irrigation: Combine your experience with the recommendations in technical guides. Below is a helpful reference to teach employees about when it is appropriate to water young plants. The numbers reference values in the Syngenta Flowers technical guides..
Saturated (5) |
Water is easily observed. Press finger on cell. Water moves out freely from top and bottom. |
Wet (4) |
Water is not easily observed. When media is lightly touched, there is very little movement from top to bottom. |
Moist (3) |
Media is black but not glistening. To the touch, there is water, but virtually no water movement. |
Medium (2) |
The media has changed color from a dark black to a medium brown. There is no water movement. |
Dry (1) |
The media has changed color to a very light brown. |
5. Germination Environment: While each crop has an ideal germinating temperature, a good compromise is between 72°F and 75°F. Maintain upwards of 90 percent humidity around the seed until radical emergence.
6. Growing Environment: A reasonable plug growing temperature for main spring crops can range from 65°F to 68°F nights to 72°F to 75°F days. Relative humidity should drop to 40 to 50 percent quickly following germination. Alternate between moisture levels within a 24 hour period by manipulating horizontal air flow, temperature and light levels. Reduce temperatures at the end of the cycle to tone the plugs for transplanting.
7. Fertility: Begin fertilizing lightly when you see true leaves emerging. Only 75 to 100 ppm of nitrogen is sufficient for most of the plug cycle.
8. Plant Growth Regulators: B-Nine® and Bonzi® sprays are commonly used toward the end of the crop cycle. B-Nine rates can range from 1,250 to 2,500 ppm, with the spray application effective for one to two weeks. Bonzi spray rates can range widely from 2 to 10 ppm. To determine the rate of Bonzi to apply, consider the cultivar, greenhouse temperature and fertility rates.
Should you need personal assistance, feel free to write to flowers.tech.help@syngenta.com. Send a photo with crop history to get advice and start solving a problem.
B-Nine® is a registered trademark of Chemtura Corporation.