Influence of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and lime on growth and flowering of potted Cyclamen

Abstract

The effects of five levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P). potassium (K), and lime on potted cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) grown in peat/sand, 1:1 vIv were studied. Nitrogen strongly influenced most aspects of growth and flowering; it was supplied by Osmocote (26% N). Strongest corm and foliage growth occurred at 450 to 600g N m-3, while early flowering and flowers per plant were promoted at these levels. as long as added P was low. Low to medium levels of P and K appeared primarily to be required for flower quality. such as size. The plants appeared very tolerant of liming and a rate as high as 24 kg m-3 was optimal for flower size (dry weight) and stalk length, when combined with very high N rates.