Achillea

388 LIMONIUM HYBRIDS
species are used in the cut flower trade, the most common being annual statice
(Limonium sinuatum) and the free-flowering statice hybrids. As more statice is
grown, marginal species such as L. tetragonum (syn. L. sinense; confetti statice) are
gaining favor as cut flowers. The popularity of German statice (Goniolimon tataricum,
which see) has declined with the advent of Limonium hybrids.
Limonium hybrids statice Plumbaginaceae
annual/perennial
These are the backbone of statice today. They are often, but not always, hybrids
between Limonium latifolium and L. bellidifolium (Caspia statice) and produce outstanding
lacy flower heads on spikes up to 4' (1.2 m) tall. Large-scale production
is the norm, particularly of the Misty series, in the United States, Colombia, and
Ecuador. Plants persist 3–4 years without problem, and flowering occurs at 60–
65F (15–18C) nights. Plants of the Misty series produce up to 20 stems/plant
about 4 months after planting (Jenkins 1992).
Following the work of Garner and Armitage (1996), in which directed sprays
of 400 ppm of GA3 influenced yield and accelerated flowering, gibberellic acid is
routinely used to promote flowering and substitute for LD in the winter. Applications
of 500 ppm are equally effective. Plants should be sprayed at weekly intervals
for 3–4 weeks, starting when plants are young, or once growth begins after
a harvest. GA can have unforeseen consequences, so do a little experimenting
on your own before spraying the entire crop.
In Central America, the bunch weight for these types is 12.5 oz (350 g). The
stem length standard for ‘Beltlaard’, Diamond series, ‘Misty’, and ‘Ocean Blue’,
is 30" (75 cm); in California, bunches of ‘Misty’ can be longer than 40" (1 m).
Postharvest life of hybrids in plain water is usually only 4–5 days, although
using a wetting agent in the water can be helpful (Burge et al. 1998). Sugar is
the additive of choice. Work with ‘Fantasia’ showed that 20 g/l of sucrose, combined
with a quaternary ammonium disinfectant solution, such as Physan,
extended vase life to 17 days and promoted bud opening (Doi and Reid 1995). A
12-hour pulse treatment of 100 g/l sucrose (with Physan) partially substituted
for the continuous sugar supply. Ichimura (1998) found that pulsing with 20g/l
sucrose alone had little effect but was effective if combined with 10 mM αaminoisobutyric
acid (AIB).
Malodorous smell is a continual problem. Limonium altaica, Goniolimon tataricum
(German statice), and even the hybrids produce a smell some say reminds
them of cat urine, or something equally unpleasant. A few olfactory-challenged
people find that the hybrids are not malodorous at all, while others run away
holding their noses. This does little to enhance sales. The Emille Group (L. altaica)
and the Misty series seem to be less offensive than the others. Cutting
stems when only about 30% of the flowers are open and placing in an opening
solution (such as sugar and a biocide) in a well-ventilated room before shipping
reduces the odor. The smell will be worse if botrytis is present, or if the flowers
are old, or if they’re cut and packed in bunches with humidity. According to