Spring Production Of Summer Wave Torenias
Summer Wave was the first vegetatively propagated torenia series, thriving in summer heat when seed varieties would wilt. With a lush, trailing habit and vigorous growth, Summer Waves are perfect for shady beds or hanging baskets. Self-cleaning and well-branching, they require very little maintenance. While the trailing series has five colors in shades of blue and purple, including the distinctive Large Silver, the new Summer Wave Bouquet series is capturing attention for early flowering, unique colors, high flower count and compact habit. In addition to Blue and Deep Blue, colors include Gold, Cream Yellow, White and Deep Rose. These compact plants still have the same Summer Wave garden vigor.
General Culture
Torenias are day neutral but tend to flower more rapidly under warm temperatures and the long days of spring. Rooted cuttings should be potted up as soon as possible, ideally in 4-inch pots. Use a well-drained peat/perlite mix with a pH of 6.0-6.5. Keep light levels moderate to low. Maintain moderately moist soil and water with a constant feed of 200 ppm water-soluble fertilizer. Keep temperatures at 70-75ËšF during the day and 60ËšF at night.
Plant Growth Regulators
Plants respond well to B9 (daminozide) sprays at 1,500-2,500 ppm 15-20 days after sticking cuttings. Or spray with Sumagic, 10-15 ppm, as needed.
Crop Timing
• 4-inch pots – four to six weeks with one liner and two pinches
• 6-inch pots – six to eight weeks with one liner and three pinches
• 10-inch baskets – 10-12 weeks with three liners and no pinching
Pests & Diseases
Monitor for mites and aphids. Prevent Botrytis on finished flowers and foliage.
Proven Performance
While ‘Summer Wave Large Blue’ was named one of the best performers at the University of Minnesota in 2010, that same year, Large Violet and Large Blue were named top annual performers at the University of Tennessee.