| Common Name |
Floss Flower, Bluemink, Blueweed |
| Genus |
Ageratum |
| Species |
A. houstonianum |
| Family |
Asteraceae |
|
Life Cycle |
Tender Annual |
|
Tray Size |
210 |
| Plug Care |
Plant or bump up to larger pots shortly after receiving plugs. If flowering prematurely, just pinch off flowers to promote side branching and longer stems. Initially, keep the plants well watered after transplant, and then water only as needed. |
| Netting / Staking |
Helpful in windy areas, but not necessary. |
| Temperature Range |
Will not tolerate frost, so plant after all threat of frost has passed. Ideal temperature is 60-70F. |
| Spacing |
Generally 9-12" will work - for flowers all season (cut and come again) use 12", for succession plantings that are to be composted after a couple harvests, plant more densely. |
| Soil Preference |
Fertile, well drained soil. Performs best with neutral to acidic pH (5.5-6.5). |
| Day Length |
Facultative long-day. Plant in full sun. Temperature is more important than photoperiod for winter growing. |
| Pinching |
Helpful to promote early branching, but not necessary. |
| When to Plant |
Plant in the spring after threat of frost has passed. Succession sow 2-3 times, about two weeks apart in the spring and early summer for flowers right through to frost. |
| Harvesting |
Expect the first flowers approximately 3-5 weeks after transplanting depending on weather and temperature. Harvest when flowers are fully open. If harvested in bud, stems are likely to wilt. |
| Post Harvest Care |
Expect a vase life of 7-10 days. Floral conditioner/preservative will help increase vase life. Can be stored for a short period in a cooler if not needed immediately. |
| Diseases / Insects |
Relatively disease and pest free. Can succumb to powdery mildew, aphids, thrips or spider mites if stressed. |
| Bailey's Notes |
Deadhead to prolong blooming window. Fertilize with a well balanced calcium-nitrate based formulation to build healthy plants. Avoid excess nitrogen which will cause excessive foliage growth, invite disease and decrease vase life. |
| Resources |
Ageratum Blue Horizon Culture Sheet
Ageratum Blue Planet Culture Sheet
|
