March 2010 – ‘Allegra Yellow’ is an early September variety with large, richly yellow, decorative blooms. This variety is an excellent choice for summer-shaded programs and spring crops. It is a mid-vigour variety, very flexible and adaptable to any size container. It sizes up very well in the north, has good colour retention and excellent shelf life. ‘Allegra Yellow’ was one of customer favorites from last year open house in Ontario.

This early season variety needs to be planted by mid-June to allow enough time for vegetative growth. If exposed to cold temperatures in early stages, plants could initiate flower buds prematurely and flower short. To prevent early budding, unrooted cuttings need to be stuck under long days and kept warm above 68˚F in propagation area.

‘Allegra Yellow’ is a heavy feeder. Shortly after transplanting when irrigation frequency is lower, plants require high rates of 300 to 400 ppm from 20-10-20 or similar type fertilizer with each watering. At the time of flower initiation, growers should switch to nitrate-based, potassium-rich fertilizers and continue until flower buds are ready to show first colour. All new 2010 Belgian Mum introductions are no-pinch varieties.

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