Temperature: The use of warm temperature propagation can rapidly encourage rooting of Osteospermum. Recommended environment includes use of 68 degree F. night temperature. Misting in propagation should be used for the first 9 days to mitigate excessive wilting. Propagation environments set up with high indirect lighting will help to warm day temperature and encourage rapid rooting.

Fertilize: Starter fertilization can begin at 75 to 100 PPM at root formation.

After root: After root initiation (10-15 days), stretch in propagation can be mitigated by change of environment to lower humidity and High light. Avoid pinching in propagation.

More information: Should Interveinal chlorosis be present, review pH and hold pH to 5.8 to 6.2, avoid rising pH by use of acid fertilization. In addition, review irrigation practices and allow drying to occur in between irrigations. Scheduling for rooting should be full 4 weeks. Do not remove from propagation environment until Rooted.

Environment: Environment is critical to good Osteospermum growth after transplant. At transplant, transition the rooted cuttings into 5 - 6000 foot candle environment with night temperature at 60 - 62 degrees, slightly lower temperature and higher light compared to the propagation environment. Begin increased fertilization to 200 PPM.

After rooting: After initial rooting into the final container, reduce irrigations and begin to dry slightly between irrigations. To begin bud development, Temperature can be lowered to 45 to 50 F degree nights and high of 70 degree day. Product can be moved to brighter light with 8000 ft candle as a target.

More information: Growth can be controlled by properly by initiating cool temperature prior or after the pinch. Small pot growth controlled by initiating 45 to 50 F just prior to pinching, in contrast 6 inch or gallon production can be pinched in 60-62 F environment and held for 2 weeks then cooled to 45 to 50 F. High quality production is obtained by holding the pots in the cool (45-50F) environment for minimum 4 weeks but preferably 6 weeks. Thereafter accelerating growth (flowering) by warming to 55 to 60 F for finishing.

CLEAN STOCK: Susceptibility of Osteospermum to viruses are well known. Kientzler Osteospermum come from Kientzler Innovaplant with commitment to unsurpassed clean record of production reliability.

Crop Scheduling: Use the following schedules for finishing Osteospermum, 4 inch containers in Early spring should finish in 12 weeks, 6 and 8 inch containers 14-16 weeks. Accelerated Finish by warming to 55 to 60F can reduce 2 weeks in scheduling and decrease some bud count.