Lantana Finished Production Tips

2010 Field Trials: University Of Illinois

Grow Time (From Rooted Cutting)

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Lantanas in a quart container with one plant per pot take seven to eight weeks, in a gallon container with two plants per pot and also in a 12-inch baskets with four to five plants per pot, 11 to 12 weeks of grow time.

Pinching

Only one pinch is needed for compact lantanas like Bandana, either late in propagation or after transplant. Try to leave two or more sets of nodes when pinching. For more vigorous varieties like ‘Bandana Trailing Gold,’ two pinches are best.

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Growing Media

High quality media with good porosity is critical for best growth. Peat-based mixes, like Fafard 2 Mix or 1P Mix, or bark-based mixes, like Fafard 4P Mix or 3B Mix work well.

Fertilizer Rate

Apply 200 to 250 parts per million (ppm) nitrogen, using Cal-Mag fertilizers (i.e. 13-2-13,15-5-15,14-4-14, etc.) for more compact growth and neutral pH. Use high ammonium and phosphorus containing fertilizers (i.e. 20-10-20, 15-15-15, etc.) for softer growth and to lower pH. Electrical conductivity (E.C.) should be between 2.0 and 2.5 mS/cm (SME), with a pH between 5.6 and 6.2. Keep nutrition at optimum levels to promote new growth and flowering. Lantanas will get pale, yellowish foliage if underfed.

Light

Lantanas should ideally receive more than 4,500 foot candles (>15 mols/day).

Temperature

70° to 80°F (21° to 26°C) day and 65° to 70°F (18° to 21°C) night are ideal. Lantanas grow best at warm temperatures throughout production. Avoid overly cold and wet growing conditions, especially during dark and cloudy weather, which can cause fungal root rot, slow growth, and small flowers.

Plant Growth Regulators

Foliar sprays of Bonzi plant growth regulator at 20 to 30 ppm or Sumagic plant growth regulator at 10 to 20 ppm can be used to control growth. A Bonzi drench at 2 to 3 ppm (depending on vigor), three to four weeks before finishing works well to keep plants compact, especially under hot conditions. Florel plant growth regulator is not needed on the compact Bandana and Bandito varieties. Florel can be used on vigorous trailing varieties, like ‘Bandana Trailing Gold,’ but it will delay flowering.

Diseases

Lantanas are sensitive to fungal root rot, especially under cold and wet conditions. Avoid over-watering, especially at low temperatures. If needed, drench with a broad-spectrum fungicide (Subdue Maxx plus Medallion fungicide combinations).

Insects

Scout for whiteflies, aphids and leaf miners. Flagship insecticide provides excellent control of whiteflies, aphids and leafminers. A Flagship, Avid miticide/insecticide and Citation insecticide rotation is the standard for leafminer control. Endeavor insecticide is an excellent tool in aphid management.

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