Bacopa Carolina Big Bloom Blue Unrooted Cuttings

Bacopa (Water Hyssop) are naturally found in tropic and subtropic areas, especially in the Americas. They grow well in spring baskets and mixed containers. A well-grown hanging basket can have hundreds of blooms and dense, dark green foliage. (Bacopa is a fast grower, so beware dumping out your old stock baskets in warmer climates or the bacopa may spread!) Your customers will love how Bacopa cascade over the edge of container. They can stand full sun to partial shade, but they do not tolerate heat well. They weather the summer best when mixed with other plants.

 

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General Growing Tips For Your Unrooted Cuttings

For best results with Bacopa, we recommend using a constant feed program of 200 ppm N. Maintain a pH between 5.8 - 6.2.  If the plants develop yellowing at the tips of the leaves, pH level is the first thing to check.

Your unrooted cuttings will arrive freshly cut. You will need to plant them immediately and begin a misting cycle to root the cuttings. This will leech the soil of nutrients, so during the propagation phase use a constant feed of 1/3 the normal recommended dosage of fertilizer until well rooted.

Flowering

Bacopa flower year-round and load up with small blooms (available in white, blue, and pink).

Pinching

Pinching is not necessary, but one pinch may be helpful. Allow 4 weeks after pinch for blooms to develop.

Spacing

For hanging baskets, an average pot will need to be spaced at 2’ centers. Space pots as needed to allow air flow and penetration of light between plants.

Height Control

Plant growth regulators are not necessary for Bacopa.

Pests

Whiteflies, and aphids are the biggest pest problems with Bacopa.

Disease

Carolina Big Bloom Blue are not prone to many diseases, but they can develop root rot if they get too wet. Also watch for botrytis while the days are short. This grey rot is usually associated with wet or humid conditions. You can prevent botrytis by allowing the plant to dry out between waterings, allowing for good airflow in your greenhouse, and spacing to allow the sun to penetrate to the soil level. The most common chemicals used to treat botrytis are Medallion and Banrot. Use them as a drench according to each label’s instructions.

Planting Carolina Big Bloom Blue Liners

1. We recommend planting 4-5 starter plants per 10 inch basket. Use a well-drained soil in your baskets and plant your starter plants deep, allowing the ellepot to be completely covered by the soil. If you are planting 4” pots, 1 plant per pot should be sufficient if you have enough time. Plant it directly in the middle of your pot.

2. Pinching is recommended 5-10 days after transplantation. A second pinch may be necessary depending on the size and shape of the final pot.

Unrooted Cuttings

Cuttings vary in size between different plant families, but most can be described as tip cuttings (ivy are leaf-and-eye stem cuttings not tips) that stick nicely in small plug trays such as the 105-plug tray we use (some varieties are better suited for a 50 cell tray, i.e. Angelwing Begonia, Bougainvillea, Setcrecea, etc.). Please do not order unrooted cuttings unless you are an experienced propagator with mist systems and proper temperature control.

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