• The latest on plug production: Seedling plug size effects on flowering time

    Published on September 22, 2012
    We evaluated the effect of two plug sizes on finish crop time, plant quality characteristics, and estimated production costs for five bedding plant species.

  • High-temperature stress of bedding plants

    Published on May 17, 2012
    There are some bedding plant crops that tolerate high temperatures quite well, while others develop heat stress symptoms at lower temperatures.

  • Environmental & genetic approaches to lower greenhouse heating costs

    Published on March 22, 2012
    To lower energy costs for greenhouse heating, we have taken two approaches: to optimize greenhouse temperature on a species- and seasonal-basis, and to develop genetic resources to help facilitate the breeding of crops that flower earlier.

  • Scheduling bedding plants for energy-efficient production

    Published on February 22, 2012
    In this article, we discuss the effects of average daily temperature and starting size of plugs on flowering time and crop quality of a variety of annual bedding plants.

  • Watering bedding plants before shipping

    Published on August 22, 2011
    Although it is desirable to have a moderately moist media at shipping, the foliage should be dry to help prevent disease problems.

  • Saturating DLIs for flowering

    Published on February 15, 2011
    An in-depth look at daily light integral (DLI) and how bedding plants can be classified into different light response groups.

  • Implications of base temperature

    Published on January 17, 2011
    Growers should avoid growing cold-tolerant and cold-sensitive crops together because crop timing, crop quality and heating costs cannot be optimized.

  • Daily light integral & flowering of annuals

    Published on November 23, 2010
    The daily light integral can influence crop timing and quality characteristics including branching, flower number, and flower size. This article presents research-based information on how light quantity influences production of annual bedding plants.

  • Reducing greenhouse energy consumption

    Published on April 22, 2010
    This article outlines our multifaceted approach to improve the energy efficiency of greenhouse crop production, both in the short- and long-term.

  • Rapid flowering of pansy

    Published on March 22, 2010
    Pansy has a unique photoperiodic flowering response. What can be done when varieties don’t flower uniformly or on time?