October 2008

Verbena Corsage Series By Asaf Cohen

The verbena Corsage series is the first double-flowered verbena in the world available from cutting production. The series was bred exclusively for Cohen by Breier in Israel.

The first two Corsage varieties, Peach and Red, were introduced five years ago. The verbena Corsage line was a huge success from the start, garnering much enthusiasm in the marketplace. From the beginning, this line was offered from clean, certified stock and checked thoroughly for a list of viruses and diseases.

All verbena Corsage stock plants are kept only by Cohen in high-quality greenhouses, and produced with special quality PPIS certification.

Each motherplant is built from in-vitro elite material and checked three times a year for a list of viruses.

Availability

Cuttings are available worldwide, with clients having year-round access. Since the inception of the series, seven additional colors have been added to the assortment. With the introduction of each new variety, Cohen is careful to ensure that each addition to the series has a full double flower, as well as uniform and controlled growth habits.

For the 2008-2009 season, eight vibrant, attractive colors are offered. Existing client favorites — Peach, Red and Rose — are now joined by five new series-mates: White Improved, Purple, Pink Bicolor, Cerise and Wine.

In North America, the verbena Corsage line is available as unrooted cuttings through leading brokers. Cohen can also arrange free trial shipments, also through brokers.

Variety Information

All varieties have green, broad-leafed foliage with half hanging and compact growth habits. The flower size is medium with a full double flower.

Each variety in the verbena Corsage series is suitable for use in hanging baskets, combos and also 4- to 8-inch pots. All eight colors sport early flowering, especially Red. 'Corsage Rose' provides darker foliage and is highly mildew-resistant.

Propagation

Rooting is very easy and fast; within a period of eight to 10 days from sticking, you can already have nice roots. Young plants may be ready in three weeks.

Some rooters prefer to add another week to offer the young plants after pinching. During the rooting, provide maximum lighting to avoid stretching.

Recommended air temperature is between 75 and 82¡ F, but make sure it does not exceed 86¡ F. Media temperature should be between 70 and 75¡ F.

During the rooting process, humidity should remain around 90 percent. A standard, 100- to 180-cell tray may be used according to grower needs. Use a standard, well-drained, peat-based potting soil with medium fertilization.

Growing Pots and Baskets

In 4- to 5-inch pots, use only one young plant. Finished plants should be ready for sale in a period of five to six weeks.

In larger pots (6-8 inches), it is recommended to use more than one young plant. Of course, this is a question of timetable and space during production. The average growing time for this pot size is between seven and eight weeks.

For basket production, it is recommended to use five to eight young plants. In order to get a full basket, growing time should be at least 10 to 12 weeks.

During the growing process, air temperature should be kept at a minimum of 60¡ F at night and 68¡ F during days. The soil should be moist at all times, but be aware of excessive watering.

All verbena Corsage varieties have good branching; during pot production, pinch once or twice according to the desired results. It is not necessary to pinch more than once during production of baskets. The light level during the growing process should be part shade to full sun.

Growth regulators should be used during pot production. It is recommended to spray 2,000-5,000 ppm of B-Nine (daminozide) on plants.

Regarding pests and diseases, the Corsage series is not unlike other verbenas. Main concerns will include whiteflies and leaf miners. For diseases, be mainly on the lookout for powdery mildew.

One special tip: Create eye-catching and lively verbena Corsage basket combos by combining colors such as Red, Purple and Peach.