Shading screens are the optimum, but if you haven't got any, then you must do this. The climate of the NSW Central Coast is really hotter in summer than is ideal for Lisianthus, though conversely the winters have the advantage of being frost-free. Ultimately however, Neil plans to introduce major improvements to both climate control systems and the greenhouse structures. Currently, three such high-wall structures are under construction at the farm. One of the new houses is to be used for large-scale production of Lisianthus seedlings, for supply to the commercial industry.
Plants can 'rosette' if temperatures get too high during propagation and young growth stages.
The condition is characterised by a cluster of leaves, with very short internodes on the stem. A major recent development at Lake Munmorah Flower Farm is the updating of the computer control and nutrient delivery system. A Priva Integro computer system from Holland has recently been purchased which, according to Neil, is the most advanced such system in the country. Controlling the irrigation, fans, vents, heating, temperature, etc, the computer will ultimately manage all the houses and a range of crops. The options which it offers are vast - irrigation, for example, can be controlled according to the radiation intensity or humidity in the houses.