Sun Valley Group: 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! 

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.

To read the rest of the story, please go to: Sun Valley Group's Flower Talk