• Purpling of leaves

    Published on January 8, 2021
    There are many specialty crops that naturally have red, purple or almost black foliage, while others turn those colors when conditions are unfavorable. This article briefly reviews the factors that influence the purpling of leaves.

  • How to produce poor-quality floriculture crops

    Published on September 11, 2020
    Sometimes growers unknowingly follow practices that can contribute to, or directly cause, a reduction in crop quality. While there can be some tradeoffs between crop quality and crop timing and/or input costs, these practices should be avoided.

  • Using Data Loggers in the Greenhouse

    Published on April 6, 2018
    Most growers do not have extensive environmental control systems that keep historical records of the greenhouse conditions. In these cases, you will find that using a data logger will allow you to easily see past and present environmental data.

  • Keeping in Front of the Curve: pH and EC Monitoring

    Published on January 12, 2018
    In-house monitoring of the growing substrate pH and EC will help to avoid nutrient disorders and shrinkage. Setting up a monitoring system is easy and the steps are highlighted in this article.

  • Asclepias tuberosa - Butterfly weed

    Published on April 12, 2017
    Several species of milkweed, or asclepias, are native to North America, and this year the Perennial Plant Association has chosen one of them as Perennial Plant of the Year: Asclepias tuberosa.

  • Juvenility in perennials

    Published on June 29, 2016
    Plants started by seed have a juvenile phase and they must develop to a certain maturity before they attain the capacity to flower.

  • Controlling flowering of Echinacea

    Published on February 8, 2013
    Research-based information is presented about how to control the flowering of purple coneflower (Echinacea) for commercial production.

  • Long-day perennials

    Published on March 12, 2012
    One of the major flowering triggers of herbaceous perennials is exposure to long days (short nights). Learn which crops have this response, and tips on how to deliver long-day lighting..

  • Grow perennials with your annuals

    Published on December 29, 2010
    Research at Michigan State University has determined the flowering requirements of more than 600 cultivars and species of herbaceous perennials.

  • Production tips for top performers: Hibiscus moschetos

    Published on March 1, 2009
    Production information, based on research at Michigan State University, is presented on the herbaceous perennial swamp rose mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos).