ISHS Acta Horticulturae 541: IV International Symposium on New Floricultural Crops
SOME FACTORS INFLUENCING THE USE OF ORNITHOGALUM AS A POTTED PLANT |
| Authors: | G.M. Littlejohn, L.M. Blomerus |
| Keywords: | Chincherinchee, Ornithogalum dubium, Doubtful Lily, propagation, nutrition, genotype |
| Abstract:
Ornithogalum is widely used as a cut flower. The white O. thyrsoides is tall-stemmed and has been used since the early 1900’s as a cut flower. O. dubium had been marketed from Israel in the past few years as a cut flower. The short stemmed types of both species have been selected from the wild. Intraspecific hybridisation using short stemmed selections has resulted in genotypes suitable as potted plants. Some traits important for their successful cultivation as potted plants include propagation, fertilisation and growing conditions, and aspects of these were investigated. Leaf cuttings produce bulbs along the cut surface, with or without indole butyric acid treatment. Maintenance of a temperature of 20° to 25° C in the rooting medium produced the largest bulbs. Use of 5:2:4 N:P:K ratio fertiliser in a well drained potting mixture is recommended, with application of trace elements during flower stem elongation. Growing conditions should be mild with high light intensity. | |
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