Supreme Callas


Supreme Callas is a line made of unique genetically short Callas for pots from Dutch breeding. The line produces all colors with comparable growth. One calla fills out a 6” pot nicely. Use a 10” pot to plant 3 callas of the same color or try this combination.

Delivery of Tubers: Supreme Callas™ tubers will be delivered fully treated and ready to plant. If you are unable to plant immediately they can be stored for 2-3 weeks under the proper conditions. Optimal short term storage is a dry area where the temperature is around 60 degrees Fhr with good air circulation to prevent mold. Calla tubers are cold sensitive and should not be allowed to freeze.

Growing Media: The media should be sterile, well-draining with a pH of 6.5. Sande Supreme Callas™ recommends using a media with 60-80% coco peat for best results. A common mix used in calla pot production consists of 60% coco peat, 20% fine Finn peat and 20% coarse Finn peat.  Avoid high ratios of fine particles in the media as this can result in your pots retaining too much water.

Planting: Plant 1 16/18 cm tuber per 6” pot. Calla tubers must be planted with the eyes/sprouts facing up and covered with 1.5” – 2” of evenly moist potting mix. The roots begin to grow on the top of the tuber and then move down so proper soil coverage is important for good root development.

Watering: Constant water monitoring is crucial for growing Supreme Callas™ as a successful pot crop. After planting, water 1-2 times to initialize plant growth. A fungicide should be applied at planting after the first watering to prevent mold.  Moderate watering is then required until the leaves unfold. The pots should not be constantly wet, but slightly dry.

Watering is best done in the morning when you have the coolest temperatures of the day. This can be done with overhead watering as long as your system is in good condition. Any dry spots will create problems for the plants. Good quality water raised to an EC (electrical conductivity) of about 1.5 managed through a fertilizer program stimulates growth and good health. Be sure to keep the EC in your pots no higher than 2.0.  Also avoid high levels of sodium, sulphate, bicarbonate and chloride as this will have a negative effect on the calla plants.

Fertilization: Approximately 20 oz NPK (12-10-28) per cu yd is usually mixed through the potting soil as a basic fertilizer program. It is important to have sufficient levels of iron and magnesium. We also recommend applying fertilizer on a regular schedule throughout production. Keep in mind that a proper balance between nitrogen and potassium is the most
important aspect to avoid excessive plant and foliage growth.

Light: Callas need light, proper light is key to flower development. Along with temperatures and careful  water monitoring, light and relative humidity levels are critical for optimal growing conditions for a successful crop. Screening is recommended when illumination of 375 watts/sq yd or 5.000 foot candles or 55,000 lux is reached to help create a stable growing environment.

Plant growth regulation: The length of the plants depends on the temperatures, relative humidity, light, soil moisture and variety. There is no standard recommendation as PGR applications can fluctuate considerably by climate and growing area.  However Supreme Callas™ offer the following PGR rates below as a rough guideline for 6”-8”pots. Bonzi (paclobutrazol) has proven to be the most effective plant growth regulator on the market for potted callas. Supreme Callas™ recommends using this product should it be necessary for your crop. When 3-4 shoots are visible and they are 1”-2.5” tall is the best time to apply Bonzi. When you drench Bonzi, we recommend drenching 1-2 days after watering. A slightly moist soil is necessary for the Bonzi solution to travel to the roots and will enhance the plants uptake of the PGR application.

Make a solution of 2 fl oz Bonzi to 1 gallon of water which equals 60 ppm aclobutrazol. 

Drench: Depending on the variety a drench of 1—3 fl. oz. is recommended (60ppm)

When to drench? When 3-4 shoots are visible, with a shoot length of 1”-2.5” 

  

 

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