Carnation production in perlite and peat-perlite mixes

Abstract

Soil, perlite and peat-perlite mixes were compared in relation to flower production and the quality of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus). For this purpose a split-plot trial with the standard carnation cv. Roberta was carried out in a plastic covered greenhouse in Bursa, Turkey. Two different nutrient solutions were also evaluated for fertigation of the plants. The experiment lasted for three cutting periods. Flower production and some quality criteria of the flowers were determined. Leaf samples were taken and analysed for macro and micro nutrients. The effects of growing media on the flower yield were found to be statistically significant at 1% level although there were no significant differences between the nutrient solutions with respect to flower yield of carnation. Total marketable flower yields of carnations grown in perlite and peat-perlite mixes were considerably higher than plants grown in soil. There were also some significant effects of the growing media and nutrient solutions on some quality criteria such as crown diameter, stem length and thickness of the flowers.