InformationTitleCalluna: Culture Guide for GrowersGuide TypeCulture GuideGenus/Species/VarietyCallunaIntroductionYou have questions about your Calluna crop, we have answers!Information Download a printable PDF version What are key events I shouldn’t miss when growing this crop? Planting: The program is designed for planting liners in approximately Weeks 16–18. The liners should be transplanted upon receipt to eliminate the potential for deterioration. Trimming: At least one trim is necessary and should be completed no later than Week 23. Preferably, get two trims in before this as this will help with pot-fill. The second trim should be minimal and be more of a clean-up trim for any branches that may have been missed the first time. >>> Skyline varieties should not be trimmed a second time. Spacing: Space the plants to allow for airflow and encourage uniform growth. Plants grown too close together have a higher risk of disease occurrence. What soil do I need? Use a well-draining substrate with a pH target between 3.5 and 4.5. Consider the alkalinity of your water source; water with high alkalinity will increase substrate pH over time. What kind of environment do I need? Transplant the liners outdoors to grow in full sun, as it maximizes airflow and exposure to sunlight. When can I expect buds or color? With average temperatures of 14C/57F, we often see budding starting through August and coloring up through September. But, if you’ve experienced consistently high temperatures over 20C/68F, you may see buds weeks earlier. Most varieties hold color for 15–17 weeks. Cool, dry weather ensures a healthy, lasting color. What kind of fertilizer strategy should I have? Consider growing with a soluble, NPK-balanced fertilizer, opting for 200–250ppm N one to two times per week. This fertilizer should be primarily nitrate-N-based. After the final trim, reduce N to 150ppm. This fertilizer is ideally 2:1 nitrateform N to ammoniacal N. We prioritize nitrate nitrogen over ammoniacal nitrogen to keep growth firmer and less susceptible to pests. What kind of pests should I anticipate? PythiumPestalotiaThrips Browning at the base of the plant can be caused by disease/rot (Pythium, botrytis) due to poor water/nutrient/ pH management, poor/heavy soil. Yellowing foliage could be an indicator of Pestalotia. Copper/orange foliage symptoms are indicative of Pestalotia. Browning buds or tip-death are symptoms of Pythium. Pestalotia may also be found as a secondary disease. ------------- This cultural advice is sourced from our experience in our Pacific Northwest location (British Columbia, Canada). You may experience variations based on your location, light, and temperature levels. NotesURL NameCalluna-Culture-Guide-for-Growers