Robert Mastronardi, manager at Cedar Beach Acres:
“The advantage of Orangery RZ is its large size”

Robert Mastronardi, manager at the six hectare Cedar Beach Acres greenhouse, is cultivating a crop of Orangery RZ and Baselga RZ this summer. “This will be the first season we have been growing these varieties, both of which have very similar characteristics. A noticeable difference is that Baselga RZ has a slightly higher yield.”

Size matters
In particular, Mastronardi has been impressed by the large fruit produced by both Orangery and Baselga. “We have measured the average weight at around 230 grams. Most of our customers are in the USA, where large peppers are favoured over smaller ones,” he says. “The fruits of both varieties have a thick wall and a long shelf life.”

Climate conditions
In the unstable climate of southern Ontario, Mastronardi needs to monitor his irrigation strategy carefully. “Temperature and light can fluctuate significantly on a daily basis, and even on overcast days our joule readings can be quite high. So we have to stay on the ball and adjust our regime accordingly.” Throughout
the season, Mastronardi maintains an EC level of 2.5 during feed, 3.0 in the slab and 3.7 in the drain.

Area: Sowing date: Planting date: Growing medium: Stem density: Average fruit weight: Yield week 29:

6.3 ha 08 November 2007 14 December 2007 coco fibre 3.7 plants/m2 220 - 240 grams 12-13 kg/m2

Seeds & Services Canada, september 2008