Princettia EuphorbiasCulture Clinic and Market

Opportunities

Introducing Princettia to growers

Plantpeddler sample program with 100 growers in 2014

Like Calibrachoa vs. PetuniaMillion Bells Surfinia

Slight adjustments in culture make the difference in final plant quality.

Production Observations: Compared to standard poinsettia

• Overall, easier to grow with less height, disease and pest management

• Most applicable for 4” to 6.5” production, along with bowls and pans

• Similar production timing schedules• Stronger root system that establishes quickly,

good root health• Long sales window and easily timed through

the seasons

More Production Observations: Compared to standard poinsettia

• Pinks are more compact and mounding• Max White is the purest white, higher vigor• New look. Flower feathering,

especially in Max White• Positive consumer feedback• Naturally free branching• Less to no PGR for pink varieties• Produced in Europe and Asia without pinch

Scheduling: Christmas or October (for breast cancer awareness promotions)

• Times as an 8 week, with gradual maturity. Colors early, long peak, holds late.– Natural season is late November,

depending on location.– For early finish, black cloth

must be used, 12+ continuousshort days until color.

– Lighting is required for late crops. Night interruption or day-length extension.

Princettia likes warmer temperatures(especially at early stages, like Calibrachoa)

• Starting temps of 72-75F Day/Night• Then 70-72F days with 65-68F nights

as bracts expand• For maximum bract

expansion, maintain warm temperaturesinto finish.

Do not overwater and overfeed!• Princettia is a more compact, low vigor plant.• Plants will use less feed and water compared

to standard poinsettias.• But also use care not to

underfeed when reducing irrigation. Princettia is still a poinsettia at heart.

• Maintaining higher fertilitywill promote maximum growth.

Princettia is very free branching• Plants have a tendency to “over branch.” • More branches means smaller

overall bract size. Keep in mindthis is a different look.

• Count nodes – The number of bracts desired plus one node is typically plenty.

• Many European and Asian producers do a no pinch production. Potential Augeo, Florel trials.

Max White Tips from University Trials:University of Florida, North Carolina State, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture

Based on 2014 trials of Max White:“Cuttings may split early, but pinching below the split creates a normally branched plant habit.”

-- Drs. James Barrett, John Dole and Wayne Brown

Additional notes for Max White:• Branching is good, but stem strength is average.• Plants can be controlled with PGR sprays

and drenches.• It is important to control growth and provide

adequate support in larger pot sizes.

Pest & Disease Control• Monitor and control pests and diseases typical

for poinsettia production.• Fungus gnat control, especially at the start,

is critical. Water management plays a role.• Princettia root systems are stronger,

but constant inspection is recommended.• Apply fungicides as needed.• Botrytis can be a risk near or at harvest,

especially on very ripe plants.

Managing Growth• Pinks are naturally compact and mounding.• Maintain adequate space to achieve this form.• Minimal to no PGR is required on Pink varieties.

(Possible CCC postpinch to even up.)

• Max White is in a different vigor class. We have found successwith CCC at 750-1250ppm when breaks are 1- 1 ½ inches.

Managing Growth: Finishing

• Grow this crop all the way to finish, as it will size up late in production (like Premium).

• Do not cool unless bracts fully expanded.• We have successfully trialed Fascination

at 3-5 ppm for bract expansion 2 weeks from shipping. Trial at your facility.

• Cyathia hold well and mature slowly.

Takeaway Advice for Success:

Keep it Simple. This is an easier crop to grow!