The Influence of Slow-Release Fertilizers on the Growth, Flowering, and the Content of Macro- and Micronutrients in the Leaves of Cyclamen persicum Mill.

Abstract

The influence of selected fertilizer within a 6-month period of operation was assessed: Basacote Plus 6M, Osmocote Plus 6M, Plantacote Plus 6M. Plants grown in the substrate without slow-release fertilizer, which were supplied with nutrients only for top dressing, were the control. Two cultivars of the Maxi type of cyclamen were grown in greenhouse in pots during the period from the 25th to the 50th week of the year. While planting the seedlings, 2 g of slow-release fertilizer were added to the substrate directly under the roots. From the third week of cultivation, the plants of each combination were fertilized with top dressing every week. Plant height and diameter, number of leaves, weight of the above-ground part, tuber diameter, earliness of flowering, number of flowers and buds, as well as the content of macro and micronutrients were assessed. The addition of Osmocote 6M or Plantacote 6M into the substrate resulted in plants with a larger fresh weight and larger diameter and earlier flowering with more flowers and buds at the end of the experiment than with Basacote 6M or with only top dressing. The applied slow-release fertilizers had an effect on the content of K, Ca, and Fe in the leaves of Persian cyclamen. The cultivar ‘Rainier White F1’ had significantly more leaves, buds, and flowers and a higher content of P, K, Cu, Zn, and Mn than the cultivar ‘Halios Pure White Compact F1’.