TechNotes March 5 - Crabgrass, Calibrachoa Callie Series

TechNotes are provided by Syngenta GreenCast.

Looking for Crabgrass 
  
Given the snow and cold through most of the northern part of the United States, crabgrass germination is still a ways off. However, once spring does arrive crabgrass germination won’t be far behind. 

Ornamental plant development and soil temperatures can be used to predict crabgrass germination and development. Forsythia flower withering is a sign for crabgrass germination.  Below are some key soil temperatures for crabgrass appearance (Fidanza et al. 1996. Crop Science)

Average minimum soil temperature at which initial appearance occurs - 54 degrees Fahrenheit

Average mean soil temperature at which initial appearance is observed - 60 to 64 degrees

Calibrachoa Callie Series 
  
This calibrachoa series works well for baskets and containers and has 19 different varieties to choose from. Callie varieties are generally ready for transplant after 4-5 weeks in propagation. This article in Greenhoue Product News provides many more details on the series.