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Perennials have a large share of the plant market at garden centers.
They are very popular with consumers because of their low maintenance
and because they bloom year after year. Many varieties of perennials
can be produce from seed and require little specialized equipment
for production.
Getting Started
Choosing a site:
The light requirement of perennials varies according to variety. Generally,
a site with at least half a day of full sun would be best. The site
should be relatively flat and covered with a ground cover material.
Producing seedlings:
Although many varieties can be produce from seed, marketability and
ease of production should be considered. Plants such as gaillardia,
coreopsis, Shasta daisy, foxglove, and rudbeckia are easy to grow
and market. Seeds should be purchased and planted by August. Many
perennials are available from plug suppliers and can be shipped with
the school's fall bedding plant plugs. Seedlings and plugs should
be transplanted to jumbo 606 cells and grown-on for four to six weeks
in the school greenhouse. Arrangements to rent space in the greenhouse
should be made with the teacher.
Growing-out the finished plant:
Perennials may be planted in quart, trade gallon or 8" pots.
A well-drained soil mixture containing a large percentage of ground
pine bark is best. Bagged soils such as Fafard 4-P or Metro Mix 350
are suggested. Potted plants can then be place outside on the ground
cover area at this time.
Fertilizer:
A time-release fertilizer can be top-dressed on newly repotted plants.
A hozon type proportioner can also be used if water-soluble fertilizers
are used.
Irrigation:
Plants can be hand watered with a hose with water breaker. This type
irrigation is suggested for quart pots. Gallon and 8" pots can
be watered with overhead sprinklers.
Winter protection:
In central and southern Georgia, a winter protection material should
be used over the plants during the months of January and February.
In northern Georgia an unheated cold frame may be necessary. Plants
will be ready to sell in March and April.
Selling the crop:
Finished plants may be sold retail directly to the consumer or sold
wholesale to garden centers. A nursery license will be needed by the
grower and may be obtained from the Plant Protection Division of the
Georgia Department of Agriculture.
Written by Myron Sellars, 2002
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