Cineraria (Pericallis)

Senetti® is the registered trademark of the Pericallis hybrids bred by Suntory (Japan).  This species originates on the higher grounds of the Canary Islands.

Senetti®’s are best to use as an early spring patio plant with instant and beautiful colouring, that can be put outside April and May.  This hardy plant can withstand an occasional frost of -1°C.

Senetti® will flower approximately 10-12 weeks after potting when light conditions are good enough, usually from March to May.  Unlike seed propagated Cineraria, the Pericallis does not need a cold treatment to be able to flower.

Growing Suggestions:

Plant in 5-8” pots in December, January, or February.  Pinch about two weeks after potting when the plant is ready for it.  Culture time is 10-12 weeks depending on planting period, pot size, temperature and variety.  Use a good potting soil mix that can contain enough water but also drains well.  The PH of the medium should be between 5.0 to 6.0.  The soluble salt levels sensitivity of Senetti® is medium.  Plant in at least a 5” pot, and up to an 8” pot.  Senetti®’s are not very suitable for small pots.

General growing temperature is 10-15°C.  After potting, keep around 18°C day and night until the roots are well established.  Once established, the temperature can be reduced as low as 8°C. No cold period is needed for flowering but in general the colder the crop is grown the better quality plant and flowers will be.  Avoid a climate that is stagnant and overly moist in order to keep the plants  and roots healthy and to avoid Botrytis.

The earliest potting date recommended is December 1st and up to early March.  With sun in the spring Senetti®’s can take up quite a bit of water.  However, in general care should be taken to not over water as the plants will become too vigorous. 

Feeding schedule should be low to moderate.  When given too much feeding the leaves can grow too big (especially with excess of Nitrogen).  Using B-9 at low rates will help to avoid elongation of the stems or flower stems.  Repeat this when necessary.  When starting to flower be aware of excessive stretching of the flower stems.  Flower damage is not easily seen with B-9, but out of precaution it is better to not use it in a late stage.  Regulating with negative Dif and controlling the water and the fertilizer amount will also help.

Be aware of insects, especially thrips at the flowering and budding stage, as well as white fly and aphids.

Senetti® Blue	Senetti® Deep Blue	Senetti® Lavender	Senetti® Light Blue Bicolor

Senetti® Magenta	Senetti® Magenta Bicolor	Senetti® Mini Blue Bicolor	Senetti® Mini Magenta

Senetti® Mini True Blue	Senetti® Violet Bicolor