Table Of ContentAn Introduction to Perennials; Properties of Growing Mixes; Fertility for Perennials; Integrated Pest Management; Diseases of Perennials; Insects, Mites, and Other Pests of Perennials; Controlling Weeds in Perennials; Controlling Plant Height of Perennial Crops; Perennial Propagation; Forcing Perennials; Overwintering Perennials; Perennial Profiles; Index.
SynopsisPerennials can be a challenge to grow commercially, if for no other reason than there is so much variability between crops. Paul Pilon's comprehensive book covers all aspects of producing perennial crops--propagation, fertility, media, pest and disease management, weed control, height control, and overwintering. And, of course, a large section is devoted to forcing perennials into bloom to maximize sell-through at retail. "Perennial Solutions" presents specific production guidelines for thirty popular crops, including Aster, Delphinium, Hemerocallis, Hosta, Rudbeckia, and ornamental grasses. Detailed tables also offer specific recommendations for using plant growth regulators (PGRs), herbicides, forcing schedules, and more., Applying up-to-date technical and cultural information to the everyday production of perennial crops, this guide is specifically devoted to producing perennials under greenhouse and nursery conditions. The back-to-basics approach gives growers an understanding of the principles behind production practices, enhancing their ability to consistently provide high-quality perennials to the marketplace. A guide to propagation and growing plants to maturity with chapters on media, water quality, fertilization, insect and disease management, weed control, plant-growth regulators, forced blooming, herb production, and marketing, and production schedules for more than 100 of today's most popular perennial species provide growers with everyhing they need to succeed.