Optimara Growing Tips
Start to Finish
5
Fertilizing
• Liquid Fertilizing
--
Liquid fertilizing depends on the development of the crop and on the
original fertilizing inside the mix. The first liquid fertilizing should take place after the first spacing
or after about 5 weeks. We recommend that you use a 100% water soluble fertilizer with an NPK
of 14-12-14 which does not include any urea. Our experience has proven that it is best to fertilize
from then on with 100 parts per mil every other time you water .
• Symptoms of Overfertilizing --
When using an incorrect fertilizer, you will notice that the
plants are not developing properly. The flowers will be small, deformed and pale in color. You
might also detect little black spots on the edges of the underside of the leaves. If this symptom
appears, you are using an inappropriate fertilizer and should select an alternate NPK source. Do
not use a triple 20 fertilizer. If checking you EC the following chart allows you to check if you are
within the target EC level.
0.8
1.5-1.7
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Weeks
Dangerzone 1.8 plus
1.0
1.2 1.3
EC
Environmental Conditions
• Temperatures
--
The optimal temperature for African Violets is around 70°F day and night. It
is not advisable to lower the temperature during the night because this results in a longer growing
period. Therefore, it is also not worthwhile to lower the overall greenhouse temperature since, in
the end, it does not save energy.
• Light Condition --
African Violets need good light condition but no direct sun! The optimal
light value for African Violets is around 900 - 1000 foot candle. Therefore, from February/March
on, the greenhouse should be shaded according to weather conditions. As the light value
increases, more shading is required. You will achieve best results by following this simple rule of
thumb: Light conditions are optimal if, during full sunshine at noon, you can barely see the shade
of your extended hand over the plants.
• Shading Spray Mix
--
We suggest to use an inexpensive Latex water mix of 1 part Latex
to 4 parts of water. Spray this mix in a fine mist on the roof of the greenhouse to achieve the right
amount of light diffusion.
