Tips For Producing Ipomoeas

Tips For Producing Ipomoeas

Commonly known as sweet potato vine, ipomoeas have become the most popular trailing accent in mixed containers and baskets and an easy way to fill flower beds quickly. The next generation of ipomoea genetics offers controlled growth and a variety of leaf colors and shapes. Suntory introduced the Desana series, which is not as vigorous as many other varieties in the market place and is available in Lime Bronze and Green. The technical experts at Suntory provide tips on producing ipomoeas”

Advertisement

Growing On

Rooted cuttings should be potted up as soon as possible into 4- to 6-inch pots, using open, free-draining growing media with a pH of 6.0-6.5, incorporating a balanced fertilizer. Aim for an EC of 1.5-2.0.

Temperatures of the crop at this stage should be 72-80°F days and 60-65°F nights. This will help roots develop. Do not overwater at this stage to encourage healthy root development. Growth will stop at temperatures of 45-48°F or lower.

Top Articles
Why This Hydrangea From Green Fuse Botanicals Is a Gamechanger (Video)

Light levels should remain medium to high at 4,000-7,000 footcandles (43-75 lux). Internodes are likely to stretch under low-light conditions.

The crop may require pinching to encourage the right habit and breaks to get a bushy and spreading plant. Place one plug in a 4-inch pot. Generally, a 4-inch pot will finish in four weeks.

Feeding

The crop should be watered uniformly throughout its life using a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as 100-200 ppm nitrogen. Foliage color may change in response to fertilizer levels.

Growth Regulators

Pinching encourages branching. B-Nine is effective. Apply 2,500 ppm as needed.
Crop Timing
4-inch pots–four to five weeks from liner
6-inch pots–six to eight weeks from liner
10-inch pots–10-12 weeks, three liners

Pinching

4-inch pots–one to two pinches
6-inch pots–two pinches
10-inch pots–two to three pinches

Pests

Thrips
Aphids
Fungus Gnats (Bradysia spp.)
Shore Flies (Scatella spp)
Mites

Diseases

Edema (disorder)
Phytophthora
Pythium  

0