Ageratum MiniMound Series Blue Seeds

Compact, well-branched and mounded habit in the garden. The need for less plant growth regulators means they can be produced with time and chemical savings. When PGRs are used, plants respond uniformly.  Vigorous and early-blooming plants. Profuse top flowering for good colour show all season.  Dark green-leafed, 12-in. (30-cm) plants perform best in full sun. .Ideal for borders and mass landscapes. 

Plug Production

Media: Use a well-drained, disease-free plug media with a pH of 5.5 to 6.2 and EC about 0.75 mmhos/cm (1:2 extraction). 

Sowing:

Moisten the media before sowing the seed. If media is watered after sowing, make sure seeds are not washed away. Cover the seed with a light layer of vermiculite. 

Temperature 

Germination: 72 to 75°F (22 to 24°C) 
Cotyledon stage: 68 to 75°F (20 to 24°C) 
True leaves: 65 to 72°F 18 to 22°C)
Hold plugs: 60 to 68°F (15 to 20°C)
Germination takes approximately 3 to 4 days in a germination chamber. 

Fertilizer 

As cotyledons expand, feed 50 ppm N in a nitrate form. When true leaves begin to develop, increase to 100 ppm. 

Growth Regulators 

No plant growth regulators are required.

Growing On to Finish Media 

Use a well-drained, disease-free, soilless medium with a pH of 5.5 to 6.2 and a medium initial nutrient charge. 

Temperature

Nights: 58 to 62°F (14 to 17°C) Days: 70 to 80°F (21 to 27°C) 

Irrigation 

Irrigate plants on an as-needed basis. Excess water will promote lush growth and tall plants, and will delay flowering. Do not allow plants to wilt severely, or leaves may burn and drop off. 

Fertilizer 

Ageratum are light feeders, so they do not require large applications of fertilizers. Feed at a rate of 100 to 150 ppm N from a balanced fertilizer. Excessive nutrient levels will produce lush growth and will delay flowering. 

Crop Scheduling

Ageratum is usually scheduled as a 9 to 10-week crop. Use of excessive growth regulators and/or less than optimal cultural practices may delay flowering and extend the crop time to as much as 12 weeks. 

Common Problems 

Insects: Whitefly, thrips, aphids