Optimization of nitrogen application and planting geometry for production of cut chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.)

Abstract

Nutrition and planting geometry are the two key factors affecting the production and quality of cut stems in chrysanthemum. The present investigation was undertaken to standardize the nitrogen nutrition and planting geometry for chrysanthemum var. “Yellow Star” cultivated for cut flowers. The data revealed the proportionate increase in plant height, chlorophyll content, days to bud appearance and days to 50% inflorescence anthesis and length of cut stem with increase in nitrogen dose and row spacing. However, flower diameter, number of flowers per stem, cut stem diameter, vase life, and water absorbed by cut flower decreased proportionately with increase in nitrogen dose and row spacing. Application of N@100 Kg ha-1 to chrysanthemum planted at 20x10 cm spacing produced cut stems of acceptable length, more number of flowers of bigger size and optimum postharvest longevity. The amount of nitrogen can be reduced to 1/3rd to grow cut chrysanthemums planted at twice the row spacing for longer cut stems of appreciable vase life.