USE OF CONTAINER METHOD IN THE GROWING OF GERBERAS IN DIFFERENT SUBSTRATES

During 2_year period of growing gerbera two kinds of 15 l plastic containers were used. Densities of 1 to 4 plants per container and three substrates: peat moss, composted pine bark and brown coal, were also investigated.

It was estimated that the container system of growing gerbera gives good results. Containers of 30 cm in height were more suitable than ones of 15 cm. Optimal density was two plants per container. Good substrates were peat moss and pine bark. During the first half of the year the plants in the bark grew not as satisfactory as in the peat moss due to poorer uptake of nutrients from the substrate. After this period plant growth rates came up to those in the peat moss.

Brown coal ash in the dose of 10 g/l was a more adequate fertilizer to neutralize the peat moss, than the chalk. The higher dose of ash caused the effect of boron toxicity on the plants.