Sprinter

Sow seeds in desired medium 6–8 weeks prior to transplanting. Maintain a constant 80–90°F (27–32°C) soil temperature. When first true leaves just show, transplant the seedlings into cell-type containers or blocks. 2" or larger containers will produce larger, stronger root systems; 4" blocks are the standard. Grow plants at 70–74°F (21–23°C) days and 68°F (20°C) nights. Fertilize with a complete nutrient solution (EC 1.5–2, pH 5.2) or equivalent as needed to keep plants dark green and healthy. When transplanting into the greenhouse, maintain temperatures of 73°F (23°C) days and 70°F (21°C) nights for the week after transplanting. This promotes rapid vegetative growth and root establishment. 7–10 days after transplanting, lower temperatures to 73–75°F (23–24°C) days and 63–64°F (17–18°C) nights. For two-stemmed plants, use a plant density of 3–3 1/2 plants/square meter, which results in 6–7 stems/square meter (9 sq.ft.). Plants can be pruned to 4 stems, maintaining 6–7 stems/square meter (9 sq.ft.), but fruit will be smaller. Remove flowers up to the second or third node after initial branching to allow the plant to reach a suitable size before trying to support a fruit load.