Mecardonia Little Sunshine

USDA Zone: Zone 10

This easy-to-produce variety flowers from Spring to Fall, making it versatile in programs all year long. It is very tolerant of cool and warm conditions, and it will not cycle out of color at the point of sale. It works well in 4-in. (10-cm) pots to hanging baskets, and offers great performance in the landscape.

More Season Extenders

Culture Guide

General Information

Height: 4-6" (10-15cm)

Spread: 14-18" (36-46cm)

Exposure: Sun

Propagation Guide

Tray Sizes (cells/tray): 105, 207

Rooting Hormone: Yes

Average Days with Mist: 6-8

Pinch: Yes

Average Propagation Time (weeks): 4

Comments: Rooting hormone is recommended, but not required.

Finishing

Soil pH: 5.5-6.0

Light Levels (fc): 3,500-6,000

Temperature Day: 68-77°F (20-25°C)

Temperature Night: 68°F (20°C)

Fertilization (ppm N): 150-200

No. of Pinches: 2 for pot sizes over 6 in. (15 cm)

Plant Growth Regulators (S=spray / (D=Drench: Plant Growth Regulators not needed when grown in high light.

Pests: Aphids, fungus gnats, slugs/snails

Diseases: Botrytis, Root and stem rot

Comments: Mecardonia is heat and drought tolerant in the landscape. Generally, finished production pots can be produced with little to no maintenance required.

Crop Time (weeks)

4- to 5-inch (10- to 13-cm) Pots, Quarts: 1 ppp, 6-8 weeks

6-inch (15-cm) Pots, Gallons: 2-3 ppp, 6-8 weeks

10- to 12-inch (25- to 30-cm) Tubs or Baskets: 5-6 ppp, 10-12 weeks