Description
Built for summer heat and resilient garden performance.
- The only vegetative vinca with proven XDR level resistance to multiple strains of aerial Phytophthora.1
- A true heat lover, Nirvana XDR keeps blooming through the intense heat of summer.
- Medium vigor and mounded habits paired with unique and novel flower colors are perfect for premium pots and mixed combinations.
- 1 Confirmed in collaboration with Clemson University; these isolates were found at grower facilities and in landscapes across the southern U.S.
Availability
Features
Growing information
Culture Information
Nirvana® XDR
Vinca
Catharanthus roseus
Product form: Vegetative
Containers: Pints, Quarts, Gallons, Hanging Baskets
Habit: Mounding
Garden Specifications
Garden height: 14–18" (35–45 cm) tall
Garden width: 24–30" (60–76 cm) wide
Exposure: Full Sun
USDA zone: 10–11
AHS zone: 12–4
Product use: Containers, Hanging Baskets, Landscapes, Patio Pots, Combos
Propagation of Unrooted Cuttings
Root emergence: 10–12 days
Rooting hormone: Recommended, especially if propagation temperatures are not ideal. A 0.1% (1,000 ppm) IBA concentration using either powder or liquid formulations can be applied to the lower portion of the cutting stem. Be careful not to coat the leaves or entire cutting–excess application can cause burning and damage to the cutting. Another option is to apply an overhead heavy spray to the cuttings (penetrating the rooting media) using water-soluble K-IBA at 250–300 ppm 24–48 hours after sticking. Do not use overhead applications of alcohol-based IBA solutions (ex. Dip 'n Grow®).
Bottom heat temperature: 72–74 °F (22–23 °C) for the first three weeks. After roots are well developed, temperatures can be lowered to hold and tone the cuttings.
Misting: Mist schedules vary depending on light and temperature conditions. Apply just enough moisture to rehydrate the cuttings and keep them from wilting. Cuttings should be hydrated and in a non-wilted stage within 24 hours after sticking. Cuttings that continue to wilt heavily after 24 hours will callus unevenly and will be delayed in rooting. CapSil® (spray adjuvant) can be sprayed on the cuttings at a rate of 2–4 oz/100 gal within 1–2 days after sticking to help in rehydration of the cuttings. Misting should be significantly reduced after 3–4 days and after cuttings become fully hydrated. Cold mist water sitting on Nirvana® XDR foliage can cause severe leaf and growing tip distortion. To prevent this, many growers propagate Nirvana® XDR cuttings using plastic tents or Reemay® fabric to provide a very humid, warm environment without excess mist water sitting on foliage.
Recommended tray size: 105-cell (30 mm) or larger
Propagation timing: 4.5–5 weeks for a 105-cell tray; add more rooting time for significantly larger cell sizes.
Temperature
Day: 72–74 °F (22–23 °C)
Night: 72–74 °F (22–23 °C)
Lighting
Day extension lighting: Not necessary
Light intensity: 200–250 µmol·m−2·s−1 for the first two weeks after sticking or until root development occurs. Light levels can be increased up to 600 µmol·m−2·s−1 as rooting increases and the cutting matures.
Day length response: Day neutral
Daily light integral (DLI): 4–6 mol·m−2·d−1 for the first two weeks after sticking or until root development occurs. DLI can be increased to greater than 12 mol·m−2·d−1 after root formation.
Media pH: 5.8–6.2
Media EC: SME EC: 0.9–1.3 mS/cm, Press/Squeeze Method EC: 1.4–2.0 mS/cm
Fertilizer: Early fertilization is critical for Nirvana® XDR to prevent bottom leaf yellowing in propagation, especially for magnesium. Begin fertilization at 100 ppm nitrogen when roots just become visible. Rates can be increased up to 200 ppm nitrogen after roots become well developed. Use primarily Cal-Mag® Plus (calcium nitrate + magnesium nitrate) fertilizers in propagation to prevent unwanted stretch and provide added magnesium levels.
Pinching: Not recommended
Plant growth regulators (PGRs): To control growth after rooting, sprays of Altercel® (750 ppm), B-Nine® WSG (2,500 ppm), or Altercel® (750 ppm) + B-Nine® WSG (2,500 ppm) can be used depending on the growth rate and vigor of the plant. The Altercel® + B-Nine® WSG combo spray will have a more growth regulating effect than either the Altercel® or B-Nine® WSG spray alone.
Tech tip: Starting Nirvana® XDR from a callused cutting can help increase rooting speed by up to 2 weeks, promote rooting uniformity and robust vegetative growth for a faster finish, quality liner. Keep young plants fertilized during propagation to prevent bottom leaf yellowing.
Average daily temperature: 72–74 °F (22–23 °C)
XDR
XDR: Nirvana® XDR simplifies production with fewer fungicide applications to keep your vinca crop healthy. Nirvana® XDR vinca is screened against 36 contemporary strains of Phytophthora nicotianae, including ten of the most virulent that cause Phytophthora blight on annual vinca, confirmed in collaboration with Clemson University and in independent trials across North America. However, they are not immune to the disease. For this reason, we highly recommend chemical rotations as a responsible and critical part of a disease resistance maintenance program. Applications are also advised to control several other diseases that can infect vinca, such as Thielaviopsis, Rhizopus, Rhizoctonia, Pythium and Tospovirus (INSV and TSWV).
Finishing
Temperature
Day: 76–78 °F (24–26 °C)
Night: 70–72 °F (21–22 °C)
Average daily temperature: 73–75 °F (23–24 °C)
Lighting
Day extension lighting: Not necessary
Light intensity: 800–1,200 µmol·m−2·s−1
Day length response: Day neutral
Daily light integral (DLI): 16–18 mol·m−2·d−1. If these recommended light levels can't be met naturally, supplemental lighting is highly recommended to improve finish quality and flower power.
Transplanting: Transplant directly into the finished container. Place the rooting media slightly below the level of media in the container. Make sure the root ball is covered and that the liner is situated in the center of the pot.
Media pH: 5.8–6.2
Media EC: SME EC: 1.5–2.1 mS/cm, PourThru EC: 2.3–3.2 mS/cm
Fertilizer: 200–250 ppm N
Pinching: Yes, one pinch is recommended 7–10 days after transplant. Make sure plants are rooted and established before pinching.
Plant growth regulators (PGRs): To control growth after rooting, sprays of Altercel® (750 ppm), B-Nine® WSG (2,500 ppm), or Altercel® (750 ppm) + B-Nine® WSG (1,500–2,500 ppm) can be used depending on the growth rate and vigor of the plant. The Altercel® + B-Nine® WSG combo spray will have a more growth regulating effect than either the Altercel® or B-Nine® WSG spray alone. Sprays of A-Rest® (2 ppm) or Sumagic® (0.5 ppm) can also be applied if more growth control is needed. These sprays should be applied before flower development. Bonzi® applications are not recommended on vinca because of the chance of black leaf spotting and severe growth regulation.
Tech tip: Nirvana® XDR requires high light and warm temperatures for high-quality plants. Avoid over-watering and cool temperatures during production. With adequate heat and light, one early pinch is all that is needed to produce well-branched plants. Nirvana® XDR works well in baskets. Heritage® or Mural® sprenches or drenches help prevent fungal basal stem rot after transplant.
Moisture level: Media should be allowed to dry between irrigations. Alternate between moisture level 2 and 4. 2 - MEDIUM: Soil is light brown in color, no water can be extracted from soil, and soil will crumble apart. 4 - WET: Soil is dark brown but not shiny, no free water is seen at the surface of the soil, when pressed or squeezed water drips easily, and trays are heavy with a visible bend in the middle.
Common pests: Thrips, whiteflies
Common diseases: Thielaviopsis, Rhizopus, Rhizotonia, Pythium, Tospovirus (INSV and TSWV), fungal root rot, basal stem rot
Scheduling
| Size | Crop Time | Plants Per Pot |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 pint (4 inch) | 6–7 weeks | 1 ppp |
| 1.0 quart (4.5 to 5 inch) | 6–7 weeks | 1 ppp |
| 1.25 to 2.5 quart (5.5 to 6.5 inch, trade gallon) | 8–10 weeks | 1–2 ppp |
| 3.0 quart to 2.0 gallon (7.5 to 10 inch) | 9–10 weeks | 2–3 ppp |
| 1.5 gallon hanging basket (10 inch basket) | 10–11 weeks | 4 ppp |
Estimated finish crop time is from transplant of a 105-cell tray and finished at an average daily temperature (ADT) of 73 °F (23 °C).
Example crop schedule for a 2.5 quart
| Weeks From Transplant | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 week | Provide average daily temperatures of 73 °F (23 °C) or higher and DLI levels above 15 mol·m−2·d−1. Pinch plants when they are rooted into the pot. |
| 4 weeks | Inspect roots and apply a preventative overhead fungicide drench to the plant/media to prevent fungal root and basal stem rot. |
| 7 weeks | Evaluate plants and apply an Altercel® (750 ppm) + B-Nine® WSG (1,500 ppm) spray if needed to maintain mounded growth. |
| 9 weeks | Finish |
Frequently asked questions
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Grower Success Guide
Look for our flowers in garden centers across the country. Many of our seeds are available to consumers from seed packet companies online.
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Yes, during transport, plants experience a lot of stress and when plants are stressed they can release ethylene. Higher temperatures, enclosed spaces, and damage to the plants increase the ethylene concentrations in the shipping environment.
Resources
Protect your Ethylene-Sensitive Crops
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