Page 7 - Griffin Gazette Issue 1 - 2018
P. 7
By John Barone, Owner, Barone Gardens
During our first season of growing Sunfinity sunflowers, we learned quickly
that the crop’s quality is highly dependent on timely and frequent plant growth
regulator (PGR) applications.
Stacking the nodes is critical to a quality plant and this starts with a Bonzi
(paclobutrazol) sprench at seed sowing. Without this application, the plant will
grow and stretch very quickly, leading to a very tall finished plant. Later PGR
applications will have very little effect. Growers that are unwilling or unable to
perform the early PGR applications would be wise to choose plugs that are
already PGR-treated.
Pinching is also very important and necessary for a quality finished plant. Pinch
when plants have six or seven nodes (pairs of leaves) down to four true nodes.
We found that later PGR applications are important, but not as critical as
the first two steps. Retail growers will have more latitude, unlike a wholesale
grower who needs a shorter plant to fit on carts and ship.
Taller plants seemed to still be a very quick sale at retail, but can be difficult
to take care of on the bench. We used Bonzi drenches and had excellent
results; we also trialed B-Nine sprays with good results. Most growers will find
B-Nine sprays to be a more practical PGR to use than Bonzi drenches. In our
experience, B-Nine sprays were effective; however, more trialing is needed
before a definitive recommendation can be made.
Our recommendation would be to use a PGR for the finishing stages with
ideally following the Syngenta Flowers recommendation, but other PGR
methods may also produce good results.
Sunfinity Sunflower Producers
Jumpstart your next Sunfinity program with plugs from our national network of young-plant producers.
Tray Size/Billable Count
Producer State 36/36 72/72 72/70 105/100 128/125 162/160
Gro-N-Sell PA X
Knox Nursery FL X
Kube Pak NJ X X
Natural Beauty WI X
The Plug Connection CA X
Raker-Roberta’s MI X
Total Growth Solutions FL X
Wagner Greenhouses MN X
Wenke Greenhouse MI X
Griffin Gazette 2018 | 7