Diascia
Media
Use a well-drained, disease-free, soil-less medium. Maintain a media pH of 5.6 to 6.0.
Temperature
First period of about 3 weeks 14 to 16oC
After about 3 weeks, temperature may go down to about 12 – 14 oC
The last 2 – 3 week may even go down to around 10oC if possible.
Excessively warm temperatures will cause stretch.
Light
Low light levels promote stem stretch.
Diascia is day length-neutral and will flower equally well all year.
Watering
Diascia is susceptible to Botrytis – avoid high humidity and wet foliage.
When plants are young, allow the media to dry slightly between watering.
Fertilizer
Use constant feed with a balanced fertilizer. A full complement of minor elements should be provided at each fertilizer application.
Pinching
Pinch plants back 7 to 10 days after transplanting to improve basal branching. For a larger basket or container, a second pinch can be applied.
Plants will generally bloom 4 to 6 weeks after a pinch.
Controlling Growth
The best way to control the growth of Diascia is to grow the crop cool, provide bright light and apply moderate, regular water stress to promote flowering and reduce unwanted vegetative growth. • To control growth and improve flowering and habit, growers can use 1 or more applications Alar.
Common Problems
Insects: Aphids, thrips, whitefly, leafminers.
Diseases: Botrytis, Rhizoctonia, Pythium
Ideal for Pot size: 10.5 – 12 cm and hanging baskets
Any chemicals referred to should be used only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
The Technical and cultural details are written for gardeners and growers, they are not cut and dried and are for information purposes only. It is not intended as a blue print for growing. A guide for you to use and adjust the data to suit your growing conditions. All information is based on UK conditions and should be used for guidance only. No guarantee is given for the resultant crop, or liability accepted for using the information used on this website in any article web page or cd rom.