Dwarf sunflowers have varieties which are pollen free ideal for indoor gardens and growers with allergies.
Most Popular Dwarfs
While there are many flowering plants,
annuals and houseplants that are naturally
small and short, the true ‘dwarfs’ are
those which originate from tall cut flower
species, but have been bred down to size. Some
good examples of these are the dwarf or pot
plant, Helianthus (Sunflowers) cultivars, some
of which, despite their short stature, have huge
yellow blooms. Other examples include sweet peas,
Zinnia, Gerbera, Snapdragons, Chrysanthemums,
roses, flowering stock and carnations. More
recently, dwarf versions of the popular cut flower
Lisianthus have emerged. Many other tall cut
flower species also have dwarf versions so it’s worth
checking with seed companies to see if a favorite
flower type is available as a dwarf plant.
Gerbera plants are perennials that will flower almost continuously
if given ideal growing conditions and sufficient warmth.
How to Keep Em’ Short
Keeping dwarf flowers short isn’t difficult as their genetics take
control over height; however, as with any plant, growing conditions
also play a role. Many dwarf plants, despite their compact nature,
need reasonably good levels of light otherwise growth will stretch
and become thin and weak. Light levels similar to those provided
to young tomato or capsicum plants indoors are suitable for most
species as they head out of the seedling stage and start to form
flower buds. Nutrition and EC control can also be used to give
some growth control; hydroponic growers have a significant
advantage in this area over traditional soil-mix production of potted
flowering plants. By using ‘boom/bud promotion,’ high potassium/
calcium boosters, nutrient supplements, beneficial elements such as
silica and other products developed for flowering plants at the right
stage, some truly magnificent blooms and flowering plants can be
grown. Careful use of root zone EC control can also help restrict
vegetative growth in favor of flower development while at the
same time providing maximum nutrition for a long vase life of the
blooms either on the plant or after cutting.
While many of the true genetic dwarfs, in particular the F1
hybrids of many species, don’t need any form of plant training or
manipulation and will branch naturally, some species do benefit
from some light pinching back of the growing tips. Removal of this
apical dominance forces the plant to produce many side shoots, all
of which should produce flowers, giving a more bushy plant and
better display of color. However, not all species respond well to this
and it’s a good idea to check the production guidelines given by
seed companies about pinching and trimming.
In the past, growth retardant sprays were widely used in the
nursery industry to produce short and compact flowering plants on
varieties that were naturally tall. These days, with advances in plant
breeding and the production of true genetic hybrid dwarf flower
types, this is a much less common practice, although there is still
potential there for use of these plant growth compounds
MAXIMUM YIELD USA - June 2009
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