Sunstrong Origin and Production Tips
Danziger’s research and development department is one of the largest in the world. Every day, more than 100 scientists, researchers, and professional breeders work to accomplish many things. Their goal is to invent new varieties that are more durable, efficient, profitable and above all, more beautiful. They search for plants that provide more color, more blooms and more solutions for both growers and consumers.
Sunstrong™ Erysimum linifolium is truly a breakthrough in breeding. In fact, this early flowering perennial is set to change the Erysimum category. In the past, Erysimum were seen only as spring bloomers. Now, Sunstrong provides blooms all summer long, even in the hot heat of the southern United States.
Solutions for Retail and Home Gardeners
Because it’s an early and long bloomer, Sunstrong looks great on the retail shelf for a longer period of time. Sunstrong Bicolor Purple features large, lavender blooms. Sunstrong Orange offers tangerine-hued flowers with a delicate, fresh scent. It’s an attention grabber that will grow to about 14 inches in height.
Sunstrong also shows exceptional heat tolerance, which can increase home gardener’s success. “An additional benefit to Israeli bred varieties is the added heat tolerance,” says Mike Fernandez, Danziger North American Market Manager. “We are conducting the trials in the summer in Israel, so the plants have to be more tolerant to heat to be selected.”
The unique colors and long bloom time only add to consumer enjoyment. Sunstrong is flexible in the garden, as a stunning landscape plant or as a unique thriller plant in large containers.
Solutions for Growers
One of the key differences in Sunstrong’s production is that there is no cooling needed. Developed in our facilities in Israel, Sunstrong delivers first-year flowering without a cooling period. This gives growers the advantage of growing these perennials in a warm greenhouse; extending the season on either end. The days of reserving space and moving product during production are over. Sunstrong finishes faster and is ready earlier.
Israeli weather makes it impossible to provide a cooling period for any perennials. Because of these growing conditions, Sunstrong, along with the Solanna™ Coreopsis and Lucille™ Leucanthemum series can all be grown in a warm greenhouse. These varieties offer growers options and flexibility. Even though they don’t need vernalization, they can be produced with a cooling period. Several growers are having great success in traditional perennial growing programs.
Additional production tips for Sunstrong Erysimum
Pot size: Quarts or Gallons
pH
Maintain potting mix pH at 6.0 to 6.5 throughout production.
Sticking
Stick one liner per cell. Apply Daconil fungicide on the day of sticking. Provide a second Daconil application in Week 2.
Planting
Transplant to one per pot in Week 5.
Temperature
Greenhouse temperatures should be between 72 to 74F in Weeks 1 through 3. Decrease greenhouse temperatures to 65 to 68F for Week 4, 55 to 60F for Weeks 5 through 14.
Pinching
Pinch once during Week 3.
Fertilization
Begin with 50 ppm nitrogen in a mist for Weeks 1 and 2. In Week 3, feed 100 to 150 ppm and continue with this rate through finish at Week 14.
Light
Provide supplemental light through Week 5.
PGRs
Apply B-9 on week 4 if needed.
Irrigation
Normal watering program.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical conductivity (EC) should increase slightly throughout the production process. Start with 0.80 in Week 1, then increase to 0.90 in Week 2. In Weeks 3 through 14, EC should be fairly steady at 1.0 to 1.2.
Additional Disease and Pest Control
Common disease and pest issues can include Botrytis, Aphids and White Fly. Be on the lookout and treat accordingly.
