A L A B A M A A & M A N D A U B U R N U N I V E R S I T I E S

Greenhouse
Production
ANR-1258 of Gloxinias
History
The species from which
Florists Gloxinias were derived
came from Brazil in 1785. The
name Gloxinia speciosa was origi-
nally assigned in 1817 by Conrad
Loddiges, an English nursery-
man, in honor of P.B. Gloxin of
Strasburg, Germany. In 1825, the
species was renamed, placing it
in the correct genus, Sinningia.
The original species had slipper or
nodding flowers, but by the mid-
1800s, an erect, bell-shaped flower
appeared. The modern gloxinia is
a hybrid from two Brazilian tropi-
cal species; Sinningia speciosa
and Sinningia maxima. It arose
as a chance seedling raised by a
Scottish gardener, John Fyfiana, in
the nineteenth century. This Gloxinia cultivars are available in a variety of flower colors and styles.
hybrid was the basis for most
modern gloxinia cultivars. groups; standard types may grow procedure with the exception of
20 to 24 inches in diameter with crop timing and pot size.
Scope of Production 50 to 100 flower buds per plant
Most growers produce glox-
and are grown in 6- to 7-inch Propagation
pots, compact types may grow 12 Many growers today purchase
inias on a small scale. Producers
to 18 inches in diameter with 50 established seedlings of high qual-
usually obtain established seed-
to 75 flower buds per plant and ity cultivars from specialized prop-
lings from specialized propagators
are grown in 5- to 6-inch pots, agators. However, excellent culti-
for either year-round production
and miniature types (minis) may vars are available for the grower to
or, more often, to meet holiday de-
grow 6 to 10 inches in diameter produce from seed. Gloxinia seed
mands. The primary holidays are
with 50 to 75 flower buds per are very small (800,000 seed per
Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day.
plant and are grown in 4- to 4½- ounce). Therefore, seed should be
inch pots. Mini types come in sown in open flats (often wooden
Cultivars two flower types, tubular-shaped flats that are steam sterilized be-
Gloxinia flowers may be flowers, which sell the best, and tween use) using a fine-screened,
single or double and come in a slipper-shaped flowers. Mini sterile, peat-lite medium that is 1½
variety of colors from pure white types generally have fewer pro- to 2 inches deep. A layer of coarse
to pink, lavender, red, or dark duction problems and ship better vermiculite is added on top of the
purple. Bicolors and those with than the other two sizes. They germinating media to hold mois-
petals edged in white are very have more flexible foliage and ture. Gloxinia seed may be mixed
popular. However, the velvet can be sleeved, which is difficult with sand and shaken thinly onto
reds and purples outsell all oth- with the other two sizes. All size the vermiculite surface. Do not
ers. Hybridization and selection types of gloxinia seedlings re- cover the seed. Germinate the seed
has resulted in three cultivar size quire basically the same cultural

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using frequent light watering (no as needed. Allow the plants to pots loosely with potting medium
mist) and with a 70- to 75-degree F acclimate for a day or two. It is and form a hole in the center
soil temperature. Germination oc- not necessary to transplant the so the seedlings can be inserted
curs in 10 to 15 days with a 65- to seedlings upon arrival, but they deep enough that only ¼ to ½
70-degree F night temperature and a should be transplanted by no inches of the crown and two pairs
75- to 80-degree F daytime tempera- longer than 5 days. Seedlings left of leaves are above the soil line.
ture. The light intensity during ger- in small containers too long can To do this, it may be necessary to
mination should be no more than become stunted and will prema- bury the lower set of small leaves.
2,000 footcandles. Begin fertilizing turely set flower buds resulting in Do not intentionally break or re-
seed flats a week after germination poor quality plants. move the lower leaves because
at a rate of 150 to 200 parts per mil- Gloxinia seedlings are avail- this encourages disease problems.
lion nitrogen applied 1 out of every able in 50-, 72-, or 105-celled flats Tall seedlings that may have
3 irrigations. Use a low- or no-am- for the standard and compact stretched during shipping will fin-
monium fertilizer, such as 17-5-17. types, and the mini type seed- ish fine when planted this way.
A one-time application of 20-10-20 ling also come in 200-celled flats. However, if they are not potted
may be used to green the seedlings Which size a grower chooses to deep enough, they will be weak
up if needed. Rinse the foliage with purchase depends on the cost and floppy when mature. Do not
clear water after fertilizing. per seedling verses the amount pack the soil because poor media
Once seedlings are large of time the grower has to finish aeration results in poor root de-
enough to handle in germina- the crop. Small seedlings cost less velopment and stunted foliage.
tion flats (30 to 45 days after and require more crop time while The newly potted plants can
sowing), transplant them to 50 larger seedlings costs more and be held pot-to-pot for the first
to 200 celled flats. Seedlings require less crop time. 4 weeks, then placed at a final
flats are often picked out several spacing when leaves of adjacent
times to select seedlings of uni- Potting Media plants begin to touch. It is critical
form size for transplanting into to space plants on time. If leaves
In general, gloxinias require a
cell flats. Drench the cell flats on adjacent plants begin to push
light, well-drained potting media
with Banrot, Subdue, or Truban each other upward, crop quality
high in organic matter. To mix
to prevent diseases. B-Nine can may be reduced. Space the mini
your own, start with 50 to 60
be applied as needed at 700 to types in 4- or 4½-inch pots 9 to
percent peat and add perlite, ver-
900 parts per million to keep 10 inches on center, plants in 5-
miculite, coarse sand, aged bark,
the seedlings compact. Avid and inch pots 10 to 12 inches on cen-
or calcine clay for good drainage.
Sanmite can be used on seeding ter, and plants in 6-inch pots 12 to
The media should be amended
to control thrips that may damage 14 inches on center.
with dolomitic limestone to a pH
the young foliage and growing of 6.0 to 6.5. Superphosphate and
point. Marathon can be used to Disease Prevention
micronutrients may also be incor-
control white flies and Nemasys porated at about half the recom- Always apply a fungicide
can be used to control fungus mended rate. Many commercially drench after potting to guard
gnats. Seedlings are transplanted available peat-lite mixes have also against diseases. Use Cleary’s
into the final containers when been used successfully. 3336 plus Subdue Max, Cleary
leaves begin to touch in the cell 3336 plus Truban, or Banrot. A
flats, about 20 to 30 days in the
Potting second application of fungicide
cell flats depending on the time may be applied 6 weeks after the
of year. Gloxinias may also be Gloxinias may be grown in 4-,
first application for complete dis-
propagated from tubers or leaf 4½-, 5-, 6-, or 7-inch pots depend-
ease control that will last the en-
cuttings, but these methods are ing on the cultivar size group and
tire production period. A light fo-
rarely used commercially. the size finished plant desired.
liar rinse with clear water should
Within a size group, a larger pot
be applied after the fungicide
Handling Purchased will produce a larger plant and
drench to eliminate possible inju-
Seedlings a smaller pot will produce a
ry to foliage and unsightly residue.
smaller plant. Before removing
Unpack the seedlings and ex- the seedlings from the cell flat,
amine them closely for potential hold the flat at each end and flex Watering
problems such as insects, diseases, the center of the flat upward to Gloxinias thrive best when
or shipping damage. Contact the loosen the soil balls from the cell the soil is maintained uniformly
propagator promptly if problems interiors. This helps prevent dam- moist. However, they should not
are found. Place the seedlings aging the seedlings when they are remain wet for long periods in
in a greenhouse and water them removed from the flats. Fill the
2 Alabama Cooperative Extension System
winter. Plants in small pots should symptoms of excess fertiliza- foliage appears yellow or mottled,
never dry out to the wilting point. tion or high ammonium nitrogen. growth is hard, or small gray-
If they do, flower buds may set These symptoms can occur in the brown spots appear on the leaves,
prematurely and the plants will winter when plants require water add more shade.
flower before reaching the desired less frequently and less leaching
size. Gloxinias can be watered takes place. The recommended Supplemental Light
overhead with a hose and water electrical conductivity standards Dark, overcast weather in the
breaker, especially in the early for gloxinias are 0.76 to 2.0 winter can delay gloxinia growth.
stages, as long as the water is tem- mmhos/cm using the saturated Supplemental light from high
pered and the greenhouse is not media extract method, 0.7 to 1.0 intensity discharge lamps (metal
too hot and bright. In all seasons, mmhos/cm using the 2:1 method, halide or high-pressure sodium)
it is a good practice to water early and 1.0 to 2.6 mmhos/cm using can be used to supplement ambi-
in the morning so the foliage drys the pour-through method. ent sunlight and speed progress
quickly. It is important that the of the crop by several weeks in
water temperature be close to the Boron Deficiency the winter. The lamps should
air temperature when overhead Watch for boron deficiency supply about 200 footcandles at
irrigating. If the water is too cold during periods of high light in bench level and be turned on for
(below 50 degrees F), bleached the summer. This problem usu- 14 to 16 hours per day (6:00 a.m.
rings may appear on the leaves ally appears before the plants get to 10:00 p.m.). Supplemental light
called ring spot and roots may be large and may be confused with is more economical if applied to
damaged. Many growers temper chewing insect damage. Crown cell flats or during the 4 weeks
their water with large water heat- leaves will be deformed and ap- plants spend pot-to-pot because
ers or heat exchangers associated pear eaten around the edges. If fewer lamps will be required to
with the boiler heating system. At the leaves have holes or slits, the light the crop compared to after
the final spacing, many growers problem is not boron deficiency they are spaced out. Young plants
use microtubes, capillary mats, or but more likely insects, such as also respond more to supple-
ebb-and-flow watering systems to thrips. Boron deficiency usually mental light than older plants.
avoid water contacting the foliage occurs in soilless media with little Supplemental light is useful for
and flowers and to provide greater or no micronutrients The problem standard and compact gloxinias,
watering uniformity. is easily solved using a spray of especially in northern climates.
Borax at ½ ounce per 1,000 gal-
Fertilization lons, or 1 gram per 75 gallons. Temperature
Begin fertilizing seedlings For best growth, the night
transplanted to the final contain- Light temperature should be 65 to 68
ers about 10 to 14 days after Light intensity for seedling degrees F and 70 to 75 degrees
potting. Alternate 17-5-17 and 20- flats and cell flats should be kept F during the day in the winter.
10-20 during the warmer months low, about 2,000 footcandles Progress of the crops can be
and use 17-5-17 alone in the measured at noon on a clear day. speeded up or slowed down by
cooler months at a rate of 200-250 Removable shade cloth can be increasing or decreasing the night
parts per million nitrogen. Apply used on the greenhouse for this temperature. Do not exceed 90
fertilizer 1 out of every 3 irriga- stage. Finish plants should re- degrees F during the day in the
tions. Use the lower rate in the ceive 2,000 to 3,000 footcandles summer, and do not reduce the
winter and the higher rate in the depending on the time of year. night temperature below 62 de-
summer. Plants on subirrigation During the winter season, higher grees F in the winter. Greenhouse
systems can be fertilized at a rate light intensities can be used when temperatures of 45 degrees F or
of 125 parts per million nitrogen. temperatures are more control- lower will cause plant damage.
Slow-release fertilizers, such as lable and the number of hours Low day or night temperatures
Osmocote 14-14-14, can be used of natural light are short. In the in the winter can delay gloxinia
at one-fourth the recommended summer, lower light intensities growth. Careful attention should
rate. However, avoid a 20-20-20 are best to help control heat. A be paid to proper ventilation and
fertilizer or any fertilizer with 60 percent shade cloth is often reducing relative humidity during
more than 40 percent of the total used. Many growers in northern the winter to reduce condensation
nitrogen in the ammonium form parts of the United States can and prevent diseases. Conversely,
because these have resulted in get by with full sun in the winter high relative humidity is impor-
foliar disorders. Twisted, cupped, months. If plants start to stretch tant during the hot, dry weather
or curled leaves with a general and have low flower bud counts,
deep blue-green color are often remove some of the shade. If the
3
in the summer. At this time, paths, depending on the time of the year should be above 45 to 50 degrees
empty bench tops, and green- and geographic location. Starting F, or plant injury will occur.
house side walls can be wet from seed, large-growing types re-
down to raise the humidity. quire 20 to 27 weeks. Seed can be Gloxinia Cost of Production
sown in August for Valentine’s Day The following budgets typify
Growth Regulator sales and in November for Mother’s the cost of producing and market-
Day sales. The compact types gen-
B-Nine can be applied as a ing about 500 gloxinias in differ-
erally require 4 to 8 weeks less
spray at a rate of 1,250 parts per ent container sizes.
time than the standard gloxinias.
million, 10 to 14 days after pot-
ting or when the first set of leaves For growers who order seed- Cultural Problems
reaches the pot edge to prevent lings from propagators, time to fin-
ish is about 10 to 14 weeks for the • Premature flower buds may
main stem and petioles from
large growing types, 6 to 10 weeks be caused by leaving plants in cell
stretching. A second application
for the compact types, and 7 to 10 flats too long, excess heat or light,
can be applied 7 to 10 days later,
weeks for the mini gloxinias (Table lack of nitrogen, or allowing very
if needed, to the standard types small plants to dry out too much
under low light conditions. Under 1). The variation in time to finish in
different seasons reflects changes in before potting.
proper cultural conditions, i.e.
light levels and watering practices, light levels and temperatures. • Twisted, curled, or cupped
a second application is often leaves are caused by some type
unnecessary. One application Disbudding of fertilizer toxicity, such as high
or no growth retardant may be ammonium in winter, or by cold
Growers often remove the first
needed for the compact types. Do pair of dominant flower stalks that drafts.
not apply B-Nine to mini types. arise from the canopy before they • Deep blue-green foliage that
All B-Nine applications should be show color. A few of the upper- may appear stunted is caused by
completed in the first 3 weeks most leaves may also be removed excess fertilizer or excess B-Nine.
after potting. If plants need if the center is congested to ex- • Flowers hidden under the fo-
additional height control toward pose the remaining flower buds to liage or plants remaining in a veg-
the end of production, Bonzi at a light. This results in a flush of 6 to etative state without flowers are
rate of 15 parts per million gives 8 flowers opening at one time–-a usually caused by excess fertilizer,
good height control without showy gloxinia product. high ammonium, or too low day
delaying flowering. night temperature.
Postharvest • Yellowing of leaves with
Scheduling lighter yellow areas between the
If plants are sleeved and
The schedule shown in Figure veins is caused by excessive sun-
placed in a box, flower buds
1 is a generalization and individual light, high ammonium fertilizers, a
showing color will open during
stages may require a week less combination of high light and too
shipment. Shipping temperatures
than indicated or a week more little nitrogen, or root loss due to
high soluble salts or overwatering.

Table 1. Production Time for Standard Gloxinias in 6-inch Pots

Weeks to finish from: Winter Spring Summer Fall

2¼-inch liner 13 - 14 12 10 11-12

1½-inch liner 13.5-14.5 12.5 10.5 11.5-12.5

Production Time for Compact Gloxinias in 4½-inch Pots

Weeks to finish from: Winter Spring Summer Fall

2¼-inch liner 9-10 8 6-7 7-8

1½-inch liner 9.5-10.5 8.5 6.5-7.5 7.5-8.5

Production Time for Mini Gloxinias in 4-inch Pots

Weeks to finish from: Winter Spring Summer Fall

200 plug 9-10 8-9 7-8 8-9

Greenhouse Production of Gloxinia 4

 General Production Schedule, Standard Gloxinia Naturalis to plants without flowers.
s Conserve and Mesurol can be used
w ks w ks w ks k s wk if populations are high. Thrips
0
2-3 4-5 4-5 4w 6-1 feeding on flowers is a difficult
Ge Ce Fin problem because the delicate open
rm ll fl al
Sow ina at Transplant sp Finish blooms of gloxinias are subject to
seed tio to final ac damage by many insecticides. Avid
n e
container and Sanmite can be applied to
Figure 1. For growers who order seedlings from propagators, time to finish is about flowers open.
10 to 14 weeks for the large-growing types, 6 to 10 weeks for the compact types,
and 7 to 10 weeks for the mini gloxinias (Table 1). The variation in time to finish in Disease Problems
different seasons reflects changes in light levels and temperatures. Botrytis blight, Myrothecium,
Insect Problems on leaf tips and margins. Spots Phytophthora, Pythium, and
become dry and dull black. viruses can infect gloxinias.
Caterpillars, cyclamen mites,
Destroy infected plants. Water Greenhouse sanitation procedures
foliar nematodes, spider mites,
plants in a manner that keeps leaf can go a long way toward pre-
and thrips can be problems on
surfaces dry and does not splash venting these problems.
gloxinias. However, thrips are the
most difficult. water from plant to plant. • Botrytis Blight causes small
• Broad mites and 2-spot- water-soaked lesions that form on
• Caterpillars chew the leaves
ted spider mites occur mostly infected petioles and spread to
of gloxinias and are most likely to
on the underside of leaves and leaf blades. Infected flowers fade
be a problem in summer or fall.
their feeding causes a mottled prematurely. Space plants and
Apply Dipel, Conserve, or any of
or speckled appearance on the provide ventilation to avoid high
the pyrethroid insecticides labeled
upper leaf surface. Spider mites humidity. Remove fading flow-
for caterpillars.
can develop quickly under warm, ers and yellowing leaves. Apply
• Cyclamen mites are too dry conditions. Apply Talstar. Decree or Compass. Do not use
small to be seen without a mag- Chipco 26019 or Cleary because
nifier, but may be detected by • Thrips can attack the grow-
ing tips of small plants and cause they leave an unsightly residue
stiffening and discolored reddish on the foliage.
brown young leaves. Use Talstar the leaves to grow out deformed
with cuts, holes, or ragged edges. • Myrothecium causes peti-
for light infestations and Pylon for
Develop a spray rotation of several oles of lower leaves to develop
heavy infestations.
different insecticides with different darkened spots. The spots enlarge
• Foliar nematodes cause modes of action. Good success has down the stems and stems are
small tan, sunken areas to form been achieved with BotaniGard or easily broken. Plant in clean

Table 2. Estimated Variable Costs of Producing Gloxinias in the Southeastern U.S. Salable crop = 500 in 6-inch
pots. Crop timing is 50 plug = 12 weeks, 72 plug = 13 weeks of production.
Materials Description Unit Quantity $/Unit $/Crop $/Unit $/Crop

Plugs 50 plug each 500 $0.55 $275.00

Plugs 72 plug each 500 $0.51 $255.00

Shipping Average for S.E. states each 500 $0.05 $25.00 $0.05 $25.00
6-inch press fill pots
Pots case 1 $0.06 $30.00 $0.06 $30.00
(500 per case delivered)
3 cubic foot bags
Media bag 11 $0.20 $99.00 $0.20 $99.00
($9.00/ bag delivered)
ID Tags 300/bundle (color printed) each 500 $0.02 $10.00 $0.02 $10.00

Fertilizer Peters 15-16-17 bag 1 $0.05 $20.50 $0.05 $20.50

Pesticide Banrot bag 1 $0.15 $57.00 $0.15 $57.00

Total $1.08 $516.50 $1.04 $496.50

5 Alabama Cooperative Extension System

Table 3. Estimated Variable Costs of Producing Gloxinias in the Southeastern U.S. Salable crop = 500 in 4-inch
pots. 50 plug = 9 weeks, 72 plug = 10 weeks, 200 plug = 11 weeks of production.
Materials Description Unit Quantity $/Unit $/Crop $/Unit $/Crop $/Unit $/Crop

Plugs 50 plug each 500 $0.55 $275.00

Plugs 72 plug each 500 $0.51 $255.00

Plugs 200 plug each 500 $0.25 $125.00

Average for S.E.
Shipping each 500 $0.05 $25.00 $0.05 $25.00 $0.05 $25.00
states
4-inch press fill pots
Pots (500 per case deliv- case 1 $0.04 $20.00 $0.04 $20.00 $0.04 $20.00
ered)
3 cubic foot bags
Media ($9.00/bag deliv- bag 4 $0.07 $36.00 $0.07 $36.00 $0.07 $36.00
ered)
300/bundle (color
ID Tags each 500 $0.02 $10.00 $0.02 $10.00 $0.02 $10.00
printed)
Fertilizer Peters 15-16-17 bag 1 $0.04 $20.50 $0.04 $20.50 $0.04 $20.50

Pesticide Banrot bag 1 $0.12 $57.00 $0.12 $57.00 $0.12 $57.00

Total $0.89 $443.50 $0.85 $423.50 $0.59 $293.50

media and do not reuse contain- • Pythium root rot causes necrotic spot virus, tobacco mosa-
ers. Apply Chipco 26019 to leaves dark brown roots. Plants wilt, yel- ic, tomato spotted wilt, or tomato
and stems. Maintain moderate low, and die. Pot in clean media ring spot virus can be problems
temperatures and low humidity. and destroy infected plants as on gloxinias. Impatiens necrotic
• Phytophthora crown rot soon as they show symptoms. spot is probably the most serious
causes roots to have a dark, Apply Banol, Banrot, Subdue 2E, and widespread. Maintain good
water-soaked appearance. This Terrazole, or Truban to protect thrips control including screening
spreads to petioles and leaf healthy plants. them out with fine-mesh screen.
blades. Young plants are often • Virus infection symptoms Destroy infected plants. Eliminate
quickly killed. Pot in clean media vary. Leaves may have dark weeds within the production area
and destroy infected plants as brown to black dead areas in line and within 30 feet outside the
soon as they show symptoms. patterns. Flower petals may be greenhouse. Do not use tobacco
Apply Banol, Banrot, Subdue spotted. Leaves may be down- products when handling plants.
2E, Subdue MAXX, Terrazole, or wardly cupped, mottled, or nar- Keep gloxinias away from other
Truban to protect healthy plants. rowly shaped. Leaves may have crops known to be susceptible to
line or ring spot patterns. Shoots impatiens necrotic spot virus.
may be elongated. Impatiens

J. Raymond Kessler Jr., Extension Horticulturist, Professor, Horticulture, Auburn University

For more information, call your county Extension office. Look in your telephone directory under your county’s
name to find the number. View more information on specific chemicals (product labels, MSDSs) at http://www.
cdms.net.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June
30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative
Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and
equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age,
veteran status, or disability.
2.1M, New Sept 2004, ANR-1258
ANR-1258 2004 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. All rights reserved.