CULTURE REPORT Hydrangea Game Changer Series The world's first daylength-neutral hydrangea saves months of crop time, delivering incredible flowers in just 14 weeks from URC! BY JIM DEVEREUX I am quite confident that we have all taken part in trials in which a new variety is labeled as a " game changer " for the industry. A new petunia color pattern, a new portulaca habit or a new marigold's flower size are presented as if they will revolutionize the way both growers and consumers see horticulture. So, with a bit of tongue in cheek, Green Fuse Botanicals is proud to offer an actual game changer: the all-new Game Changer hydrangea series. This is the world's first hydrangea breeding program to deliver daylength neutrality and zero requirement for chilling hours. Traditionally, hydrangea production occurs from dormant liners that are forced to meet the desired bloom schedule. These dormant liners are not only costly, but they still require 12 to 14 weeks to initiate flowers depending on the temperature. The Game Changer series will boast large lace cap flowers in 14 weeks from unrooted cutting. This never-before-seen attribute does not only save months of crop time but allows year-round scheduling for finished sales. Hydrangea color can be available for all retail seasons without the need for coolers to hold the product. CROP PLANNING FROM UNROOTED CUTTING POT SIZE 6- or 6½-inch pot 10-inch pot 12-inch pot 42 AUGUST 2020 GPNMAG.COM PLANTS PER POT 1 3 3 FINISH TIME (WEEKS) Spring 15 to 16 15 to 16 16 to 17 FINISH TIME (WEEKS) Summer 13 to 14 13 to 14 14 to 15 The Game Changer series fits perfectly into the Green Fuse Botanicals First Light perennial program because production schedules are based on growing temperature and not daylength or vernalization requirements. The Zone 5 hardiness enables sales as a perennial or woody in addition to the potted floral plant market. With four colors available - Blue, Pink, Shell Pink and Picotee - you are able to deliver a wide assortment consistently. UNROOTED CUTTING ROOTING The unrooted cuttings will arrive as double node. A cell size of 25 to 30 mm ishttp://www.GPNMAG.COM