What Zantedeschia Want: Part 2

Last week, we learned what Zantedeschia really want in a growing environment: Diffused Light and Cool Evenings.  Now it's time to reveal the results of our year-long examination--which one of these growing environments--Hoop Houses or Greenhouses--gives Zants the ideal growing conditions that they really want? The winner is.....

 ....HOOP HOUSES!  

HOOP HOUSE

GREENHOUSE

Yes, that's right.  Zantedeschia like Hoop Houses more than Greenhouses, but it's not personal, it's business. Here's how they deliver:
  
Light Diffusion and UV Supply: The plastic coverings we use on our hoop houses are milky white, which provides the best light diffusion.  The opaque color scatters (or diffuses) the sun's rays and allows the light to wrap around Zant's big upper leaves and reach underneath to the dark underbelly. The clear, glass windows of a greenhouse typically provide direct light which can create a lot of shadows.  Some plants thrive in this environment, but Zants need as much light on as many of their leaves as possible.  In addition to the lack of light diffusion,  greenhouse glass also acts as a filter for UV light, which means the majority of UV rays are not transmitted (just try to get a suntan in a greenhouse!).  However, the plastic on our hoop houses allows the much-needed UV rays to shine on through.

Temperature: As we have learned, Zants like cold nights. Greenhouses can be too warm, which will result in more leaves than flowers.  Hoop houses, on the other hand, naturally start off cooler than a greenhouse.  This is because hoop houses are open-ended, which allow for cool evening air to circulate freely.  Know what else keeps hoops houses cool? Diffused light! It does create heat, but the heat is not nearly as intense as direct light.  Consistent, cool evenings leads to rich, saturated color.  Plus, the little bit of cold stress is not only good for vivid-looking blooms, it is also just what they need to grow tall and straight.

This year, our hoop house varieties are exhibiting exceptionally vivid colors as well as stem lengths ranging from 14 to 28 inches.  We love these beauties for their iconic, elegant appearance and their remarkable vase life.  We're quite excited that we have discovered what Zants really want.....and we hope you are too!