Effect of slow release fertilizer on the growth of containerized flannel flower (Actinotus helianthi Labill.)

Abstract: Two controlled-release fertiliser (CRF) formulations, Nutricote Total ? 13N : 5.7P : 10.8K (N13) and Nutricote Total ? 18N : 2.6P : 6.6K (N18), were applied at 0, 1.25, 2, 2.5, 5 and 10 kg m^-3, to flannel flower (Actinotus helianthi Labill.) seedlings grown in soil-less potting mix in containers. After five months, during peak spring flowering, a number of characters relating to the quality of the cut flower product of this species were assessed. As the rate of fertiliser application increased, the plant height, total number of stems, number of flowering stems and number of flowers and buds increased. There were significantly more stems and flowers overall, and more flowering (saleable) stems, in the N18 treatments at all application rates. Plant height was not affected by fertiliser formulation. Basal foliar necrosis, which scored highly in the control treatment (0 fertiliser), was reduced by fertiliser application.