Tips For Producing Torenias
December 1, 2009 
Vegetatively produced torenia series have taken this genus to a new level the last 15 years. In shades of violet, white and blue, torenias are ideal for cool-colored combination plantings, baskets and beds. The first big series from cuttings was the Summer Waves from Suntory. Technical experts from Suntory share production advice:
Growing On
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, one plant per pot. For 6-inch pots, use one or two plants per pot. For hanging baskets, plant three or four liners per 10-inch basket.
Use open, free-draining growing media with a pH of 5.8-6.2, incorporating a balanced fertilizer. Slow-release types can be used as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
After potting, the rooted liners should receive a light watering. The crop is best kept on the dry side to aid root development.
Torenias prefer cool temperatures and high to moderate light, a minimum of 5,000 footcandles. Grow the plants at 70-75°F during the day and 60-65°F at night.
B-Nine can be applied to control growth. Alternatives include pinching and controling moisture. Pinching the crop is important to achieve a nice, compact, breaking plant. Light and space are important to get the required habit.
Yellowing of the foliage can occur due to iron chlorosis as a result of high pH or production temperatures that are too cool.
Feeding
The crop should be watered uniformly throughout its life using a balanced liquid fertilizer of 200 ppm water soluble fertilizer. The use of slow-release fertilizer is recommended combined with liquid fertilizer at a rate of 1.5 kilograms per cubic meter of growing media with longevity of eight to nine months. Aim for an EC target of 2.0-2.5.
Growth Regulators
Plants respond well to B-Nine (daminozide). Apply sprays of 1,500-2,500 ppm 15-20 days after sticking cuttings
Crop Timing
4-inch pots–four to six weeks from liner
6-inch pots–six to eight weeks from liner
10-inch pots–10-12 weeks, three liners
Pinching
4-inch pots–two pinches
6-inch pots–three pinches
10-inch pots–two to three pinches
Pests
Whiteflies
Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis)
Aphids
Leaf Miners
Red Spider Mites (Tetranychus urticea)
Diseases
Botrytis cinerea (gray mold)
Powdery Mildew (Oidium sp. and Erysiphe cichoracearum)
Phytophthora
Pythium
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