EFFECT OF DIFFERENT CONTAINER MEDIA ON THE GROWTH OF GERBERA

     Gerbera was grown through 24 months in five growing media: sphagnum peat; white peat 90% + perlite 10% (v.v.); brown peat; brown peat 60% + calcined clay 40% (v.v.), and coir dust. Cut flower production of gerbera was the highest in media: white peat 90% + perlite 10% (v.v.), brown peat 60% + calcined clay 40% (v.v.), and coir dust. These media were also favourable for flower quality. The lowest cut flower production was observed in white peat alone. However, flowering intensity was good at the beginning but in this medium decreased markedly after 6 months of cultivation, compared to the other media, when its physical properties changed significantly due to fast decomposition.

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