Scaevola Blue Fan Flower Unrooted Cuttings

Scaevola is flowering annual from Australia that is actually hardy in zones 9-11. It is one of the most heat-tolerant, sun-loving bloomers that we have. Producing colorful flowers in a circular pattern around the tips of stems, this plant is perfect for small pots, hanging baskets, or colorful elements in your combination planters. As a late bloomer, add Scaevola to your summer program to bring some color to your garden center.

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General Growing Tips For Your Unrooted Cuttings

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.

For best results with Scaevola, we recommend using a well-drained soil with a constant feed program of 150-200 ppm N. Maintain a pH between 5.5 - 6.0. They are also very sensitive to phosphate levels. Anything above 125 ppm will result in phosphate toxicity.

Pinching

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

Spacing

Space pots adequately to allow for light penetration and airflow between foliage of adjacent pots. We recommend 6-8 inches for 4” pots and 18-24 inches for 10” pots.

Height Control

Pinching and growing in high light intensities are the best way to control height. An initial pinch is recommended, but additional pinching may be necessary to shape your final product.

Pests

Aphids, spider mites and thrips are the biggest pest problems with Scaevola.

Disease

Blue Fan Flower are not prone to many diseases, but 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 Blue Fan Flower Liners

1. We recommend planting 3-5 starter plants per 10” 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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