The Chrysanthemum is one of the most important vase flowers in the Brazilian market. Fertilisation and mineral nutrition are amongst the essential factors for promoting plant development and good quality flowers. One evaluated the effect of two substrates and concentrations of potassium in nutritive solutions during the growth/development of chrysanthemums (Dendranthema grandiflorum cv. Puritan). After 90 days of rooting, the number of inflorescences, leaves, stems per plant and vase, inflorescences diameter and plant height (cm) and dry matter of inflorescences, leaves, stems and the ratios leaf/stem and leaf/inflorescence were determined. A completely randomized experimental outline in 2x5 factorial scheme with four replications was used with two substrates: Vida Verde® - commercial substrate for chrysanthemum growth (SC) and coconut fiber [Golden Mix Mixto, T-40, Amafibra®] (FC) lixiviate and five concentrations of K (25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg L-1). The use of 400 mg L-1 of potassium in nutritive solution provided the highest production in both substrates however, the substrate FC lixiviate formed plants with better quality compared with the commercial substrate.
Dendranthema grandiflorum; fertilization; lixiviate coconut fiber; nutritive solution
