Key Considerations for Nursery Ornamentals

Pest Management

Nursery crops are susceptible to disease, weeds and pests, so be sure to scout often and take preventative measures. Additionally, make sure plants receive adequate moisture — the proper level of water is very important for crop development as well as quality and pest control.

Other Growing Considerations

Based on the type of nursery crop, moderately to well-drained clay loam or sandy loam soil is preferred. The environment should be free of any low frost pockets and should have a fairly deep loam topsoil or artificial media.

Be careful with fertilizer applications, as it can get caught in foliage and cause phytotoxicity

Key Nutrients

• Iron — Essential for green color.
• Nitrogen — Important for shoot development and early growth. Nursery crops require nitrogen at very different times, depending on the crop, and too much N can reduce flowering and lead to too much foliage.
• Phosphorus — Important during the pre-planting stage, but normally not needed afterwards, depending on how long the plant is to be grown.
• Potassium — Key to overall growth, potassium should be applied in split applications throughout the season.
• Calcium, Magnesium & Sulfur — Required for optimal growth.