Growing manual for the production of Sandersonia cut flowers.
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Home Family -> subcategory Gardening.
Sandersonia Cut Flower Growing Guide
Overview
This guide provides detailed instructions for cultivating Sandersonia tubers, a sought-after cut flower in Asian markets known for its striking yellow-orange bell-shaped blooms and vibrant green leaves. This guide is ideal for professional flower growers seeking an alternative crop.
Tuber Sizes and Flower Production
| Tuber Size (grams) | Flower Production |
|--------------------|-------------------|
| 3 - 5 | Smallest size for flower production |
| 5 - 7 | Medium flower production |
| 7 - 10 | Large flower production |
| 10 - 15 | Large flower production |
Other sizes are available upon request. Each Sandersonia tuber has two growth tips, allowing it to produce two flowers. Flowering can be scheduled year-round, though additional lighting may be necessary in winter to maintain quality. Sandersonia is not sensitive to daylight changes and will flower as needed. Tubers can be stored in a cool room at 2 - 5°C to stagger planting.
Soil and Watering Requirements
Sandersonia grows well in most soil types, provided nutrient levels are adequate and drainage is effective. Sterilizing the soil or media before each planting is recommended to ensure a healthy crop.
Watering Guidelines:
- Keep soil or media moist for the first two weeks post-planting.
- Water as needed once plants emerge. Avoid allowing the soil to become too dry or too wet, as both conditions can hinder growth and germination.
Planting Instructions
Upon receiving the tubers, keep them at room temperature (20-25°C) for up to 10 days to encourage sprouting. For tubers over 5 grams, cut them in half when one side starts to sprout, ensuring equal weight on each half. Separate progressive tips from dormant ones for staggered planting and synchronized flowering.
After cutting, let the surfaces heal for 4 to 24 hours in a ventilated container, avoiding direct sunlight. A fungicide dip post-healing is advisable to prevent infections. Follow local guidelines for fungicide use.
Dry dipped tubers for 4-12 hours before planting them 2-4 cm deep at a density of 120-160 tips per meter. Place tubers horizontally at the bottom of the planting hole. Denser planting can lower quality, but Sandersonia typically thrives at 120 plants per meter in New Zealand. Adjust planting density based on the season.
Growth and Maintenance
After emergence, Sandersonia grows rapidly. Monitor for pests like thrips and mold issues such as Botrytis. Use chrysanthemum netting (12.5 cm squares) for support to prevent tipping.
Flowering Time:
- Flowers appear 45-80 days after planting, depending on season and temperature.
- In NZ, crop growth is optimal between 12°C and 35°C.
Fertigation:
- Spring/Autumn: CF 23 (EC=2.3)
- Summer: CF 18 (EC=1.8)
Growing in soil is recommended unless experienced with media growing due to soil's ease in producing high-quality crops.
Harvesting
Harvest when two blooms are fully open and a third is just coloring. Pull flowers from soil/media upon readiness. New, immature tubers are discarded. Sandersonia flowers are not ethylene-sensitive and do not form air blocks even after extended periods out of water. Store flowers in a cooled environment until shipping.
For further guidance, please visit [www.plantex.co.nz](http://www.plantex.co.nz) or contact:
Plantex Ltd
Web: [www.plantex.co.nz](http://www.plantex.co.nz)
Email: admin@plantex.co.nz
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