Verbena

Empress Flair verbena features good branching and a compact, mounding habit. The series is bred to be resistant to both cold and hot temperatures. Twelve colors are currently available.

Use a disease-free rooting medium that is well aerated with a pH of 5.8 to 6.3 and EC less than 1.5. Root medium should contain an initial nutrient charge.

Temperatures should be maintained between 65 and 75° F day and night during propagation. To enhance and promote uniform root development, apply bottom heat at 72 to 75° F. Recommended light level is 1,000 to 2,000 foot-candles during rooting. After cuttings have established roots, increase light to 5,000 to 6,000 foot-candles.

Fertilize cuttings as soon as they start to root with a 100-ppm nitrogen solution from a complete fertilizer. After potting liners, apply liquid feed of 200- to 300-ppm nitrogen. Excess ammonium-containing fertilizer may cause soft growth and internode stretch.

Verbena is sensitive to both drying out and being too wet. Manage water and humidity to reduce occurrences of diseases like Botrytis gray mold.