August 2025 Culture, Variety Info

Culture Report: Sol Luna Prime hybrid impatiens By Mike Fernandez

In our industry, efficiency is everything. Saving time equals saving money. That is one of the reasons our breeding work at Danziger is focusing on developing varieties that are not only beautiful but also maximize the time and effort put into growing. 

Sol Luna Prime hybrid impatiens brings both efficiency and flexibility to growers, retailers and home gardeners. This series features big, color-saturated blooms that draw attention at retail. All six colors in the Sol Luna Prime group feature outstanding performance in either sun or shade, taking the guesswork out of garden placement. 

For growers, Sol Luna Prime is revolutionizing the category, providing a shorter cycle, earlier blooming and unmatched uniformity across all colors. 

This series finishes early, giving growers a jump on the season. In addition to the ability to ship earlier, Sol Luna Prime’s uniform growth stays compact for easier transport. And the uniformity and color options help create exceptional retail displays. This series features a mounded, well-branched habit which keeps it from getting bare, so hanging baskets and containers look beautiful at retail and all season long. Sol Luna Prime performs well in gallons or hanging baskets, flowering brilliantly in six colors including Light Salmon, Orchid, Peach, Pearl, Red and White.

PROPAGATION KNOW-HOW 

As with any crop, paying attention to the small details with hybrid impatiens can make a big difference. 

Average growth time is four weeks. Be sure to monitor and keep pH levels between 6.0 and 6.2.

We recommend sticking Sol Luna Prime hybrid impatiens on priority. This series is priority number 3 out of 4 categories. We recommend spraying Adjuvant at sticking. To reset flower response, spray Ethephon at 300 ppm the day after sticking. One hour of Ethephon on the leaves is sufficient. This will even out the flowering and give some control to limit PGRs later in the liner. Maintain an average daily temperature of 72° F. 

ROOTING STEPS

Week 1

Keep temperatures between 72° F and 74° F. EC level should be at 0.50. No feeding is required this week. Apply fungicide the day of sticking.

Week 2

Similar to week 1, be sure to keep temperatures between 72° F and 74° F. No feeding is required at this time. Apply your second fungicide application.

Week 3

Keep temperatures between 72° F and 74° F, and plants should be off mist by this time. EC should be 0.50 to 0.70. Feed if necessary, at 80 ppm N.

Week 4

Drop temperatures to between 70° F and 72° F. Keep EC levels at 0.80 to no more than 0.90 and fertilize at 80 ppm N in mist. Pinching is not recommended.

FINISHING TIPS 

Average finishing time from liners is 7 to 8 weeks. We recommend maintaining a low EC level for proper growth and sizing of each Sol Luna Prime variety. Liners can be transplanted when plants are rooted and actively growing. 

As with all hybrid impatiens, Sol Luna Prime responds to temperature to grow and flower. Grow warm to finish faster at an average of 72° F for maximum growth. Growing cooler can be done but will add time. Sol Luna Prime does not require any pinching and is daylength neutral. From weeks 7 to 8, fertilization should be at 80 ppm to 125 ppm N to maintain EC at no more than 1.0. 

PGRs 

If you require a plant growth regulator, we recommend 0.10 or 1 tenth of 1 ppm Paclobutrazol as a light drench application early. A Paclobutrazol drench can be used at 0.25 ppm as needed for finishing. 

SOIL AND WATER 

Be sure to maintain a pH of 6.0 to 6.2 in irrigation water. Water and feed as needed. Monitoring your water is key for just about any crop. Knowing the pH of your water can help you make the right decisions about additives. Impatiens transpire (cool themselves) readily. Added humidity at night can help them perceive the correct temperature and finish on schedule. This can be achieved by watering later and wetting walkways in the evening. A dry environment can lead to added growth time. 

LIGHT 

Sol Luna Prime is daylength neutral.

PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL 

If you’re experiencing aphid or thrips concerns, pests can be controlled by common insecticides. For aphids, we recommend applying Acetamiprid, Flonicamid, Imidacloprid or Dichlorvos. For thrips, Methiocarb, Acrinathrin, Abamectin, Dichlorvos or Spinosad can be used. 

For botrytis, Cyprodinil+Fludioxonil, Iprodione or Polyoxin can be used. Pythium and phytophthora can be controlled with Propamocarb. 

We recommend spraying a broad-spectrum fungicide after transplanting. More details can be found on danzigeronline.com.

Watch the video of Sol Luna Prime from sticking to full bloom.

Photos courtesy of Danziger.